Ohio’s New Standardized Utility Training

On March 10th, 2026, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 227 (HB 227) into law. This bill was introduced to help enhance safe excavation practices in Ohio and provide additional support for Underground Utility work. One of the major aspects of HB 227 was clarification of existing Ohio Revised Code training requirements and the mandate of standardized training for all employees involved in underground utility and excavation work. Throughout this blog we plan to explore these training updates, so you know what to expect from this bill that is now in effect (June 9th, 2026).
 
Newly Mandated Standardized Training
Section 3781.261 of HB 227 introduced the requirement for any “excavator, contractor, utility, designer, engineer, developer, or utility locator who has responsibility to the 811 notification process shall obtain training in the protection of underground utility facilities.” This means that all employers who participate in underground utility work in Ohio will be required to provide training to their employees prior to completing any utility work or completing tickets for 811.
 
New Training Requirements
The new training topics to be covered include:

• The one-call OHIO811 notification process
• Responsibilities of utilities and excavators
• Positive response system
• The Ohio universal marking standards
• The laws and regulations described in sections 153.64 and 3781.25 to 3781.34 of the Revised Code

Once training has been completed, the employer will be required to document and retain training files for these employees. Retraining must be completed every (5) years or if there are changes to Chapters 3781 or 4913 of the Ohio Revised Code. If an employer does not comply with these new training requirements, a Compliance Failure may be awarded with potential fines to be assessed.
 
These new training requirements will help improve Ohio’s underground utility sector by creating a safer, more knowledgeable workforce who can react and respond to hazards saving time, money, and preventing injuries. At STAC, we can help you manage and maintain these training records alongside all your other employee documents, keeping you organized and compliant. Contact us today to see how our solution can save you time and money. To keep the conversation going, download the HB 227 Summary Outline or comment below.

HB 227 Summary