Planet Underground Promotes National Safe Digging Month Campaign

Utility Construction Jobsite Safety Magazine and TV Series Promotes Safe Digging Practices in April

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Apr 25, 2017, 09:55 ET

MANTENO, Ill., April 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of National Safe Digging Month, Planet Underground, which focuses on underground utility construction jobsite safety is supporting the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) in educating the public on safe digging practices through their TV series and magazine, American Locator. Initiated by the CGA in 2008, National Safe Digging Month promotes safe digging practices by dialing 811, the national number for utility location, through one unified voice as many digging activities begin in April. The CGA is a national association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines and the safety of people who dig near them.

"Planet Underground TV and American Locator magazine have been at the forefront of providing education and resources for contractors on best practices and safety risks associated with underground utility construction," said Planet Underground CEO Mike Parilac. "National Safe Digging Month helps our magazine and TV series reach beyond our traditional market and educate homeowners, as well as additional contractors and engineers on the risk of digging without having utility lines marked properly."

Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injuries, service disruptions and costly repairs when gas, electric, communications, water and sewer lines are damaged. According to JULIE, Illinois' One Call System, underground utility lines are unintentionally damaged at the rate of once every six minutes. Homeowners and professional excavators who fail to notify local one-call centers before digging cause approximately 30 percent of all damages, making it the top cause of these dangerous and costly incidents. This statistic jumps to 60 percent for landscaping and fence-building projects.

If you are planning to start your outdoor projects this month, it is recommended that you dial 811 to begin the location process. You will be automatically routed to your local one-call center. Be prepared to provide your contact information, where you are planning to dig and what type of work you will be doing. Typically, within two to three working days, each affected utility will send a locator to mark the approximate position of your underground utility lines.

Learn more about Planet Underground and its support of safe digging at PlanetUnderground.tv.

About Planet Underground TV & American Locator

Planet Underground aims to be the best and most up-to-date information directly from the source—excavators, contractors, engineers and more. First-hand knowledge is shared with readers and viewers to help improve jobsite safety and work satisfaction. Whether involved in design, installation, protection or maintenance of underground utilities, Planet Underground believes professionals have a voice and can help build trust, enhance expertise and develop stronger, more open-minded relationships in the underground utility industry.

SOURCE Planet Underground