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AEM and CGA Join Forces to Enhance 811 Safety

In a significant collaboration aimed at enhancing public safety, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) have embarked on a shared initiative. This partnership underscores the importance of safety awareness concerning underground utilities, particularly in the context of equipment operations. On August 10, 2026, both organizations released a Statement of Shared Principles that aligns their goals and commitment to safe digging practices in the U.S.

A crucial component of this initiative involves the recommendation to incorporate a prominent 811 reminder decal on all new equipment that is sold in the United States. This measure is intended to prompt operators to engage with 811—the national call-before-you-dig service—before commencing any excavation work or operating machinery near underground installations. With an intention for the decal to be standard by August 2027, the initiative aims to significantly reduce the risks associated with accidental utility strikes.

Megan Tanel, President and CEO of AEM, emphasized the commitment of manufacturers to prioritize safety in their machinery operations. She stated, “Our members build the machines that construct, feed, and power the world, and safety is a central element of that work.” The addition of the decal represents a straightforward yet effective way for manufacturers to remind operators of their obligation to contact 811, ensuring underground utilities are marked prior to any digging activity.

The statistics supporting this new initiative are alarming. In 2025 alone, almost 214,000 reported damages occurred to underground infrastructure across the U.S., highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures in the machinery industry. The initiative reflects CGA's long-standing goal of mitigating damages and enhancing the safety of workers and communities relying on these essential services.

Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, President and CEO of CGA, remarked on the collaborative effort, stating, “Preventing damage to underground infrastructure is a shared responsibility... When non-road equipment manufacturers stand with us, we reach operators before a shovel ever hits the ground.” This proactive approach not only targets construction-related operations but extends to agricultural workers who may unintentionally disrupt underground utilities while farming.

Furthering the discussion, Kevin Thomas, Executive Vice President of Industrial Equipment Division at Alamo Group Inc., reiterated the importance of the decal in raising awareness among operators. He expressed a commitment to integrating the decal into equipment showcased at The Utility Expo in 2027, signaling further institutional alignment on safety issues across the industry.

The collaboration between AEM and CGA not only aims at improving safety practices but also addresses the wider concern of underground utility damage prevention across various sectors. The initiative recognizes that the responsibility of safe digging transcends traditional construction and encompasses every area where such equipment operates.

For manufacturers, the implementation of this safety decal can either be executed during production for new machines or retrofitted onto existing equipment upon request. CGA is prepared to assist with licensing and artwork details for companies interested in participating, thus enabling a wider embrace of the initiative throughout the industry.

In summary, the collective efforts of AEM and CGA symbolize a commitment to protecting individuals and communities, ensuring that all operators are equipped with the knowledge to contact 811 before initiating digging tasks. This partnership marks a pivotal step in fostering a culture of safety among equipment manufacturers, operators, and stakeholders involved, thereby enhancing the integrity of underground utility operations across the U.S.