The utilities team at leading public services provider Amey has launched an industry-wide competition to make leaving streetwork excavations open overnight a thing of the past.
The 2020 Challenge seeks to identify and develop new products and techniques to ensure that open excavations are no longer left overnight by 2020.
Gerry Mulholland, Director of HSEQ for Amey’s utilities business said: “Every day we work on streets in urban areas, alongside local communities and members of the public. The more we can minimise the impact on those communities, the greater the benefit to us all.
“Barriers are not always secured, they are regularly vandalised, and they are affected by weather conditions that expose the public to risk. We don’t believe this is acceptable.”
Since the introduction of the New Roads and Street Works Act in 1991, streetwork safety in the UK has improved dramatically, largely as a result of enhanced training and barrier technology, but the key risks associated with an open streetworks excavation have not been addressed.
That’s why Amey has launched the 2020 Challenge and looked to the industry for workable solutions. Amey will also be inviting schools, colleges and universities to take part through its STEM ambassador network.
Ben Hawkins, Amey’s Innovation Business Partner for Utilities, said: “It’s the small ideas that can sometimes make the biggest difference, and the ones that allow us to continually improve the services we deliver. We’re hoping that people come together across the industry and beyond to tackle this challenge, which will help us to make the communities in which we work safer.”
A substantial financial prize is on offer for the final idea and entries close on Friday 19th July 2019. Successful entrants will be contacted in early August with a view to developing their ideas further.
To submit a proposal or for further information, interested parties are invited to contact utilities2020challenge@amey.co.uk