Proficiency based progression simulation training significantly reduces utility strikes; A prospective, randomized and blinded study

Objectives We evaluated a simulation-based training curriculum with quantitatively defined performance benchmarks for utility workers location and excavation of utility services. Background Damaging buried utilities is associated with considerable safety risks to workers and substantial cost to employers. Methods In a prospective, randomized and blinded study we assessed the impact of Proficiency Based Progression (PBP) simulation training on the location and excavation of utility services work. Results PBP simulation training reduced performance errors (33%, p = 0.006) in comparison a standard trained group. When implemented across all workers in the same division there was a 35–61% reduction in utility strikes (p = 0.028) and an estimated cost saving of £116,000 – £2,175,000 in the 12 months (47,000 work hours) studied. Conclusions The magnitude of the training benefit of PBP simulation training in the utilities sector appears to be the same as it is in surgery, cardiology and procedure-based medicine. Application Quality-assured utility worker simulation training significantly reduces utility damage and associated costs.