In groundworks, safety is never negotiable. The risk of striking buried services – whether utilities, communication networks or unknown infrastructure – makes excavation one of the most hazardous operations on site. At Shanco, we take a proactive approach by combining rigorous training with specialist equipment like vacuum excavation technology and ground penetrating radar surveys to help eliminate risks before they become incidents.

Specialist Training: The First Line of Defence

Our teams don’t just receive standard groundworks training – they undergo competency-based training in excavation, service detection and specialist equipment for excavation works. Regular refreshers ensure our people remain confident and compliant, embedding a culture of continuous learning and accountability.
By investing in training, we reduce risk, empower our workforce, and ensure that every phase of a project is delivered safely and right the first time.

Safe Excavation with Vacuum Excavation Technology

Traditional excavation methods can carry unacceptable risks when working around live or unmapped services. That’s why Shanco deploys technology from Vac-Ex – utilising their self-propelled units – an industry-leading vacuum excavation company that manufactures their own units that allows precise, non-destructive digging.

The benefits include:

• Safety first: Minimises the potential risk of contact with live services, protecting workers and infrastructure.
• Reduced disruption: Self-propelled Vac-Ex units can access areas only usually available to small excavators or hand digging. They offer a safer, faster solution than mechanical excavation or manual methods.
• Efficiency: Enables targeted excavation without compromising safety.

But having the right equipment is only half the solution. Our operatives receive specialist training from Vac-Ex Ltd themselves, covering everything from safe operation and usage techniques to scenario-based applications and operating in different conditions. This is reinforced with Shanco’s own buried services procedures and assessment of site information and conditions.

A Culture of Safety and Collaboration

For us, safety isn’t just a process – it’s a shared responsibility. We foster clear communication and rigorous planning in the lead-in to every project, identifying risks and implementing controls before works even begin. On site, that culture is maintained by robust supervision, continual support, and effective explanations that ensure every person understands the hazards and control measures.