commitment to the community through networking and social events. Hackney shares that oftentimes members, though competitors, collaborate and support each other in times of need, exemplifying a level of camaraderie unique to the industry.“These are the only guys who understand what it means to work underground and the specific challenges that come with that. So, it is wonderful,” she portrays. Furthermore, WUCA strives to enhance current specifications and reduce risks, participating in various boards and workgroups to secure the safety and efficiency of underground construction work. “We are doing a lot more in terms of advocacy and putting our members in front of municipalities and state governments to ensure that specifications are up to the highest standard, and that technology is utilized whenever possible to eliminate risks so that we don’t have to risk a human trying to figure it out. Because sometimes humans make mistakes,” says Hackney. TECHNOLOGY AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Notably, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing safety and efficiency in underground construction. Hackney shares that innovations such as GPS tracking for utility lines and the use of GoPro 360 cameras for water line inspections have revolutionized the industry. “Technology also offers the ability to 30 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 06
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