By Jamie Martin
A new safety initiative from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) aims to increase awareness of underground utility protection across the agricultural sector.
The organizations have adopted a set of shared principles focused on education, safety, and best practices related to digging and operating equipment near buried utility lines.
One of the first actions under the initiative is a recommendation that equipment manufacturers place 811 reminder decals on machinery that may be used in ground-disturbing activities. The decals serve as a simple reminder for operators to contact 811 before starting work.
“Our members build the machines that build, feed and power the world, and safety is central to that work,” said Megan Tanel, AEM president and CEO. “Adding an 811 decal is a simple, visible way for equipment manufacturers to remind operators to contact 811 before digging or working near underground infrastructure. We are proud to work with CGA to help share this important safety message across the industry.”
Agricultural operations frequently involve activities such as drainage projects, fencing, and land improvements that can bring machinery close to underground infrastructure. Contacting 811 allows utility lines to be located and marked before digging begins.
Industry groups say increasing visibility of the 811 message can help reduce avoidable utility strikes that may cause injuries, service interruptions, and costly damage.
The recommendation applies to both newly manufactured and existing equipment. Manufacturers can install decals during production, while current equipment owners will have access to approved decals for retrofitting their fleets.
"Preventing damage to underground infrastructure is a shared responsibility, and this best practice will remind equipment operators closest to the dig to contact 811 before starting their work," said Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, President and CEO of the Common Ground Alliance. "When non-road equipment manufacturers stand with us, we reach operators before a shovel ever hits the ground. That's how we reduce our top driver of damages every year, which is failure to contact 811 before digging."
The initiative highlights the importance of safety across agriculture and other industries where equipment is used near buried utilities.
“As manufacturers, we provide the equipment, so we have a role to play in reminding every operator to contact 811 if the ground is not clearly marked for utilities,” said Kevin Thomas, executive vice president, Industrial Equipment Division, at Alamo Group Inc. and 2027 show Chair of The Utility Expo. “Attendees can expect to see this decal on equipment across the show floor at The Utility Expo 2027 — a clear signal that our industry takes damage prevention seriously.”
AEM and CGA believe that increasing awareness through simple visual reminders can encourage safer work practices and support damage prevention efforts nationwide.
Photo Credit: gettyImages-shaunl
Categories: National