Milestone Achievement: Pennsylvania One Call Celebrates One Millionth Dig Notification in 2024

Pennsylvania One Call Reaches Major Milestone

In a remarkable display of community responsibility and safety awareness, Pennsylvania One Call System, also known as Pennsylvania 811, has recently celebrated a noteworthy milestone: the receipt of its one millionth dig notification for the year 2024, recorded on December 4th at 3:16 PM. This nonprofit service organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety of utility lines and minimizing the disruptions caused by excavation activities.

The Importance of Safe Digging

William G. Kiger, the CEO and President of Pennsylvania One Call System, articulated the significance of this achievement, stating that it reflects how excavators and homeowners in Pennsylvania are increasingly recognizing the imperative of safe digging. Kiger emphasized, "Our continued success in promoting safety measures hinges on the cooperation of all stakeholders when it comes to excavation practices. We urge everyone to utilize Pennsylvania 811 before beginning any digging activity."

The act of contacting Pennsylvania 811 prior to digging is not just a recommendation; it is crucial for the prevention of accidents and damage to underground utility lines. It is a simple, yet effective measure that has immense implications for safety and efficiency in construction and excavation projects.

Future Projects and Initiatives

Looking ahead, Kiger highlighted that numerous broadband deployment projects are planned to continue throughout 2025. These initiatives aim to achieve high-speed internet access across underserved areas in the Commonwealth, catering to the ever-growing demand for digital connectivity in today's world. Many of these projects involve complex community coordination, and as such, assistance is provided through Pennsylvania 811's innovative online program, Coordinate PA. This free web-based application facilitates collaboration among project owners, designers, and excavators, enhancing communication, planning, and scheduling—all essential for effective project execution.

For anyone interested in knowing more about Coordinate PA and other valuable tools offered by Pennsylvania 811, the organization encourages reaching out to their knowledgeable damage prevention liaisons.

National Safety Efforts

The national nonprofit trade association, Common Ground Alliance (CGA), shares a commitment to ensuring safety when digging. They promote contacting the 811 service at least three business days before any excavation effort. Their goal is to reduce damages to underground utilities by 50 percent within five years. Pennsylvania 811’s integration in these safety campaigns illustrates its dedication to minimizing risks associated with excavation activities.

According to the Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) shared by CGA, excavation and construction activities were again cited as the primary contributors to damage reports, reiterating the necessity for pre-dig notifications. Notably, the most common cause of utility damage continues to be the failure to contact 811, underscoring the need for ongoing education in safe excavation practices.

Collaborative Efforts for Safety

In conjunction with educational initiatives, Pennsylvania 811 has been actively participating in preconstruction meetings statewide. They continuously encourage all stakeholders to engage in one of the 34 active Utility Coordinating Committees, which serve as forums for discussing upcoming projects and fostering cooperation among various utility and construction entities.

By promoting a culture of safety, communication, and collaboration, Pennsylvania 811 plays a pivotal role in preventing accidents and ensuring that excavation projects proceed without hazardous incidents. Their commitment to safety in digging practices is evident and serves as a crucial reminder of how safety truly is in our hands—every dig, every time.

To learn more about Pennsylvania One Call’s initiatives and tools, visit their official website at www.paonecall.org. The commitment to safety continues to drive their mission, ensuring that everyone involved in digging understands the importance of using Pennsylvania 811.

With an ever-increasing push for safe excavation practices and the continued support from the community, Pennsylvania 811 looks forward to many more milestones in the years to come. Remember, it is always worth reaching out to 811 before starting any excavation project because safety should never be compromised.