Preventing cable strikes with predictive AI

In the utility industry, cable strikes are a common challenge that pose significant risks to critical infrastructure operations across the UK and US, causing substantial financial costs, operational delays, and serious safety hazards. Traditional approaches to cable strike prevention rely heavily on manual processes and reactive safety practices, making them ineffective in addressing this widespread challenge. However, innovative digital solutions like predictive artificial intelligence (AI) are changing how utilities, construction companies, and infrastructure providers manage these risks.

Transitioning to digital solutions is a must for the industry today. Still, the question most industry leaders are focused on is how these solutions can best prevent cable strikes and lower operational disruptions. Leveraging FYLD’s predictive AI-driven platform offers a clear pathway toward safer, more efficient frontline operations.

The high cost of cable strikes

Cable strikes are a pervasive problem. According to the National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) Economic Case Summary, the UK experienced over 60,000 utility strikes in 2022, resulting in economic losses exceeding £2.4 billion. Similarly, the Common Ground Alliance’s (CGA) 2023 DIRT Report shows that nearly 189,000 utility damages occurred in the US.

The root causes behind these strikes are consistent across both regions: lack of real-time visibility, insufficient communication, and reliance on outdated manual processes. Excavation teams often fail to utilize available resources such as utility maps or call-before-you-dig services, significantly increasing the likelihood of incidents.

Traditional practices and visibility gaps

Manual cable strike prevention methods typically involve printed maps, paper-based risk assessments, and isolated digital tools. These fragmented workflows create information silos, slowing down decision-making and increasing operational risk.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says that cable strikes often happen due to poor planning. They can also result from bad communication between teams, weak detection methods, and insufficient training.

Transitioning from reactive to proactive management

AI-driven platforms like FYLD address these shortcomings by shifting operations from reactive responses to proactive prevention. FYLD’s agentic AI transforms every frontline worker into a real-time intelligence node, actively predicting potential risks and recommending corrective actions before cable strikes occur.

By integrating predictive analytics into daily operations, FYLD significantly reduces safety risks and operational downtime. Historical data combined with real-time insights gathered from frontline teams allows FYLD to deliver actionable, predictive recommendations directly to field supervisors and operational managers.

Real-time visibility and predictive analytics

Real-time visibility into frontline operations is essential for effective cable strike prevention. FYLD provides continuous, real-time data capture via mobile devices, enabling immediate AI-driven analysis and risk assessments.

For instance, supervisors conducting pre-excavation video risk assessments (VRAs) can instantly receive AI-generated insights about potential safety risks and operational inefficiencies. This real-time risk evaluation not only minimizes the probability of cable strikes but also reduces administrative workloads, allowing field teams to focus on safe execution.

Optimizing workflows through automation

FYLD’s platform automates many administrative tasks traditionally associated with cable strike prevention. Automated digital risk assessments generated from real-time field data eliminate manual paperwork, significantly streamlining workflows and accelerating decision-making processes.

This automation enables operational managers to prioritize tasks effectively, dispatch appropriate resources, and minimize operational downtime. FYLD’s seamless integration with enterprise platforms such as SAP, Procore, and Salesforce further enhances workflow efficiency and scalability across large organizations.

Impact on safety, efficiency, and costs

Companies leveraging FYLD’s predictive AI capabilities have reported substantial operational improvements, including reductions of up to 20% in safety incidents and productivity gains of up to 12% within just six weeks of implementation.

Predictive maintenance and risk detection capabilities reduce the likelihood of costly cable strikes, emergency repairs, and project delays. FYLD’s proactive approach helps organizations maintain compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and significantly cut maintenance costs, aligning with broader strategic goals for operational excellence. 

Looking ahead: The future of cable strike prevention

The adoption of predictive AI and digital tools like FYLD is no longer optional—it's essential for companies seeking to maintain safety, compliance, and efficiency in today’s demanding operational environment.

FYLD empowers frontline workers with intuitive AI-driven tools that streamline risk assessment and enhance decision-making. Organizations utilizing predictive analytics and real-time visibility are well-positioned to proactively manage underground infrastructure risks, ensuring safer, more reliable, and cost-effective operations.

Digital transformation, powered by predictive AI, represents the future of cable strike prevention and frontline operational excellence.

For more information on how FYLD can help your organization proactively manage and prevent cable strikes, contact us or visit fyld.ai.