Wisconsin Ag Connection - April is National Safe Digging Month

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

April is National Safe Digging Month
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 04/27/2017

April is recognized by underground utility damage prevention stakeholders as National Safe Digging Month. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin reminds residents and professional excavators to always call 811 before they dig.

"Safety is our top priority and April marks the start of spring digging season," explained PSC Chair Ellen Nowak. "A free call to Wisconsin's Diggers Hotline, at 8-1-1, will notify the appropriate utility companies to mark the underground lines at the excavation location so you can work safely around them."

National Safe Digging Month promotes awareness of safe digging practices across the country and is meant to serve as a reminder to always call 811 before every digging project, large or small, to prevent employee injuries, repair costs, and costly fines, which can occur when an underground gas, electric, communications, water or sewer line is unintentionally hit.

811 is a free, FCC-designated national number that connects callers from anywhere in the country to their local one call center. The one call center will then alert the appropriate underground facility owners so they can dispatch locators to mark the approximate location of their lines with paint or flags, after which professionals and homeowners can dig safely around the marks.

Other Wisconsin Headlines