UTILITY STRIKES: A SERIOUS AND PREVENTABLE HAZARD
Utility safety was a top priority at this year’s Supervisor’s Meeting, and for good reason: avoiding strikes saves lives. Striking underground utilities is one of the most dangerous risks in our work. The expectation is clear: zero utility strikes. Anything else is unacceptable.
We’ve had several incidents this season. While no injuries occurred, every strike has the potential to be life-threatening. The impact goes beyond financial cost; it could mean someone’s life.
What We Know:
- Top Cause: Not requesting proper utility locates.
- Second Leading Cause: Failing to pothole or maintain clearance after locates.
- Most Common Equipment Involved: Mechanical excavation using backhoes.
Our Responsibility:
At Hoffman, our goal is for every crew member to go home safely each day. That means zero injuries and zero utility strikes. If you see an unsafe situation—or if you’re unsure about utility locations—STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY. Through the Badge of Courage program, every crew member is responsible for speaking up and preventing accidents.
(DIRT) Reports of Utility Strikes by Equipment Type suggest that backhoes accounted for half of reported incidents, with hand tools accounting for 20%, followed by Boring/Directional Drilling at about 15%.
Thank you for the early mornings and long days and for keeping safety a top priority. Your pride in your work and support for one another make a real difference—not just in what we build but also in how we’re known.
Let's stay committed to protecting ourselves, our coworkers, and the communities we serve. Safety isn't just policy, it's who we are!
APPRENTICESHIP SPOTLIGHT:
Melanie Gallardo
From warehouse work to operating heavy equipment on a Hoffman jobsite, Melanie Gallardo’s journey is one of courage and growth. After completing the 2025 Building Strong Communities (BSC) program and additional training with IUOE Local 49, Melanie chose the path of heavy equipment operation and gained her first field experience with Hoffman in Chaska. Now a first-year registered apprentice, Melanie is building skills and confidence every day. “I am proud of how far I’ve come and where I’m going,” she shared. To others unsure about their future, her advice is simple: “There is so much more to the trades. Just try it.” We’re proud to support programs like BSC and grateful to have been part of Melanie’s journey into the trades.
NEW FLEET ALERT: INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
At Hoffman Construction, our fleet plays a vital role in keeping projects moving safely and efficiently. HCC continues to strengthen its capabilities with several new additions to the Hoffman fleet, each bringing added strength and capability to our jobsites.
Recent upgrades include:
- Volvo EC500 Excavator – delivering powerful performance and versatility for large-scale excavation work.
- 2025 Kenworth Quad Axle Dump Truck – built to handle heavy loads with efficiency and reliability.
- 2019 Kleemann Impact Crusher – a durable addition that expands our material processing capacity on site.
Each piece of equipment represents our commitment to staying ahead with the right tools for the job, ensuring crews have what they need to perform at their best. These additions not only support our current projects but also position us for continued success in the years ahead.
AUGUST PROJECT UPDATES
BRACKETT, WISCONSIN
NORTH OAKS, MINNESOTA
Electronic Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Access Now Available
Hoffman Construction has transitioned from paper Safety Data Sheet (SDS) books to a new electronic SDS database, hosted through JJ Keller and maintained by our Safety Department. This change ensures every team member has instant, accurate, and up-to-date chemical safety information at all times.
Accessing the Database
You can quickly access the system through a QR code, provided in multiple formats:
- Posters in all job trailers, offices, and shops
- Large stickers on chemical cabinets and storage areas
- Small stickers and wallet cards for every employee
Why It Matters
SDS sheets provide vital information on emergency procedures, safe handling and storage, and fire hazards. Having this knowledge at your fingertips is important to keeping our crews safe and ensuring compliance.
For questions or support, please get in touch with the HCC Safety Department.
On the Right Track: Honoring Hoffman’s Rail Heritage
When you visit Hoffman Construction’s headquarters in Black River Falls, you’ll notice something unique before you even step inside. Sitting proudly out front is a restored vintage train consist that tells a story about both Hoffman’s roots and the region’s rail heritage.
The display includes a 1906 Baldwin steam locomotive, a flatcar carrying antique crawler tractors, and two heavyweight passenger cars. These railcars once served as parlor and business coaches in the golden age of rail travel. Hoffman restored them and renamed each in honor of its leaders: Peter J. Hoffman, who founded the company in 1915, and his son Duane P. Hoffman, who carried the business into its next generation.
The depot-style design of Hoffman’s headquarters ties it all together, creating the feel of a historic train station. It’s more than a decorative landmark—it’s a tribute to how the company began, hauling coal from the local rail depot, and to the lasting connection between Hoffman and the community of Black River Falls.
Every day, employees and visitors are reminded that while Hoffman continues to build for the future, it remains deeply grounded in history.
