Recognition Spotlight: Kevin’s Quick Thinking Prevents Major Incident

March 28th, 2025

At GMC Utilities Group, safety, precision, and attention to detail are the foundation of everything we do. Every project we undertake demands a high level of awareness and expertise to ensure the well-being of our team, the integrity of critical infrastructure, and the smooth execution of works.

Recently, on the Newbury-Belcamp 110kV project, which we are delivering on behalf of ESB Networks, one of our team members, Kevin, demonstrated exceptional vigilance that prevented a potentially serious incident.

GMC - Recognition Spotlight - Kevins Quick Thinking Prevents Major Incident (compressed) featured image

Proactive Thinking Prevents a Major Disruption

While excavating a trench, Kevin noticed an unexpected pull on the bucket. Instead of proceeding, he immediately stopped operations, stepped out of the machine, and investigated the cause. His careful approach led to the discovery of a buried fire hydrant, which was supposed to be located one meter away according to initial site records.

Had Kevin continued excavation without checking, the hydrant could have been damaged, resulting in:

A major water loss
A flooded trench and roadway
Delays to the project and potential safety hazards

However, thanks to his quick thinking and adherence to best practices, these risks were entirely avoided.

Commitment to Safety and Excellence

This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of situational awareness and proactive decision-making in construction and utility works. At GMC Utilities Group, we continuously strive to promote a culture of safety, where every team member is empowered to take decisive action when something doesn’t seem right.

Kevin’s actions reflect our company’s core values and the commitment we uphold on every project. By prioritising safety and precision, we ensure that our work is completed efficiently while minimising risks to both our workforce and the wider community.