Community Corner

Digging Projects on Your Spring To-Do List? Call 811 First

The recent deadly explosion in Harlem and the one in Nyack College in Rockland County, which was likely caused by a contractor who ruptured a gas line while doing repair work, is an important reminder to both construction-industry professionals and homeowners in New York to always call Dig Safely New York at 811 before starting any digging project, officials say. 

Dig Safely New York's 2014 Excavator Safety Seminar tour stopped by Tarrytown today to present safe excavation practices to professionals. Eric Giguere, who survived being buried alive when a trench collapsed on him at a construction site, was the event’s keynote speaker on the importance of safety in the work place.

"But reaching homeowners, who will begin digging projects such as installing a mailbox or planting a tree as the weather finally warms up this spring, is equally important in order to prevent tragic incidents like the one in New Jersey that can occur when an underground gas, electric, communications, water or sewer line is struck," said Kevin Hopper.

It's easy. You give them two days notice, they mark the underground lines, you avoid havoc, danger, loss of cable/water/heat/electricity, clean-up.

There's another excavator safety event in Fishkill March 19 and an excavator breakfast in Rockland County April 3. 




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