Construction and civil engineering contractors face intensifying pressure to demonstrate regulatory compliance and improve operational competency to mitigate the risk of utility service strikes.

The issue was highlighted at the Civil Engineering Contractors Association North East (CECA NE) Safe Digging Event at Hexham Racecourse, Northumberland, which drew regional contractors, utility providers, and educational institutions to address asset protection and risk management.

Industry figures note that the sector is operating under heightened administrative and legal scrutiny. Navigating complex procurement frameworks requires firms to align internal site evidence with evolving auditing standards.

Addressing the event, Martin Crammond, technical director at Carney Consultancy, detailed the operational risks associated with underground works and the requirements of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) framework.

He noted that establishing standardised, accredited training for site operatives is increasingly vital for reducing litigation risks and securing positions on major public and private construction frameworks.

Martin Crammond said: “The industry is under increasing scrutiny to reduce service strikes and improve competency around underground works, so bringing contractors, utilities and safety specialists together through events such as CECA North East’s Safe Digging Event is incredibly valuable. The focus on practical approaches to underground services risk aligns closely with the operational and compliance challenges across the sector.

“Businesses are under growing pressure to demonstrate competence and compliance across complex supply chains. Our aim is to provide clear, practical support that helps organisations meet those requirements in a structured and achievable way.

“Many businesses already have strong internal processes but the challenge is aligning evidence and documentation with what clients, auditors and regulators now expect. It is imperative that this process is made clearer and more achievable.”

The administrative challenges facing northern contractors extend beyond physical site safety into supply chain pre-qualification. Alongside the safety event, regional firms have engaged in technical updates regarding the Building Safety Act and the rigorous documentation demands of upper-tier procurement frameworks.

Market data indicates a notable shift toward higher compliance tiers, with 15 regional construction and engineering businesses recently securing Constructionline Gold accreditation through structured support pathways since late 2025.

Stuart Miller, director at CECA North East, said: “The Safe Digging Event was a strong success, bringing together contractors, clients and industry specialists to focus on the real challenges around underground services and safer excavation.

“I would like to thank Carney Consultancy for its practical input and ongoing support for our members. Partnering with such specialists is a priority for CECA North East as it ensures members benefit from real-world expertise that reflects the realities of the industry, helping to strengthen competency, improve safety standards and support compliance across the sector.”