Follow utility excavation best practices to help save lives and avoid property damage. That’s the underlying message of a new industry safety awareness and education campaign. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) initiated the campaign as an industrywide collaborative effort to:

• Promote best practices for jobsite preparation and equipment operation
• Demonstrate underground utility installation and repair as safe, efficient and effective

The Underground Utility Damage Prevention Campaign seeks to:

• Dispel common myths and negative perceptions associated with underground utility installation
• Provide tools for improved worker skills, knowledge, and awareness

Machinery covered includes horizontal directional drills, vacuum excavators, trenchers and related underground equipment. Several AEM working committees of manufacturer members helped develop campaign ideas and scope.
 
“We want to involve the widest possible scope of industry groups and stakeholders and work together to educate and promote safe utility installation, repair and maintenance,” stated William Bernhard, technical and safety services manager at AEM.
 
“Stay tuned for more information and content!” Bernhard added.