Ironically, April is traditionally Safe Digging Month…but that annual designation is taking on increased importance in light of the pandemic, and has led to a request to postpone any non-essential excavating in Michigan.
The Michigan Public Service Commission has issued an alert today urging both homeowners and contractors alike to postpone non-essential excavation, and to always make a free call to 811 before digging anywhere.
The MPSC is asking for postponement until Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order is lifted. Executive Order 2020-21 directs all Michigan businesses and operators to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life and requires residents to limit when they leave their places of residence and to adhere to social distancing.
If a digging project can’t wait, the MPSC reminds Michiganders that it’s required by law for anyone digging to first call MISS DIG 811 to have underground utilities clearly marked before putting a shovel in the ground. Underground utility lines in Michigan are damaged during digging activities every year, causing service disruptions and putting lives and property at risk.
Using MISS DIG is easy, either through a free call to 811 or by filling out an online request at www.missdig811.org, a few days before starting an excavation project. Trained workers from local utilities, other underground facilities owners and public agencies are dispatched to a job site to mark the locations of underground gas, electric, communications, water or sewer lines using colored flags or spray paint. Do not start an outdoor project until public utility locations are marked, and carefully dig by hand in the designated areas.
While restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic are curtailing business operations, many people who are staying home may be thinking of starting a backyard improvement or other project that requires digging.
MPSC Chairman Sally Talberg says, “Delaying digging until after the Governor’s executive order is lifted is best, but if it can’t be put off, it’s important to call 811, no matter how small the project,” and adds, “Everything we can do to reduce the risk of people getting injured, or worse, from striking buried infrastructure while digging helps reduce the burden on hospitals working so hard to treat patients impacted by COVID-19.”
Another reason to postpone projects that involve digging is that some local governments may be unable to mark buried utilities such as water and sewer lines because of limitations imposed by coronavirus safety concerns.
Bruce Campbell, CEO of MISS DIG System, Inc. urges, “If it’s not essential, please wait until after the executive order is lifted to dig,” and adds, “If you have to dig, contact MISS DIG 811 first, and then, using your dig ticket, double-check with MISS DIG on its website or by phone to make sure all of the proper marking was done first before you start digging. It’s up to all of us to keep ourselves, our neighbors and underground utilities safe.”
For more information go to www.call811.com or see their consumer tip on safe digging.
