Press Release

PUC, PA One Call and the Dept. of Labor and Industry Promote Safe Digging This Summer

Published on 6/18/2009

Filed under: Electric Gas Water and Wastewater Telecommunications

HARRISBURG – In an effort to educate the public on the importance of safe digging during summer projects, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. (PA One Call) and the Department of Labor and Industry today reminded residents and contractors planning a project that requires digging to “Know What’s Below” by calling 8-1-1.

 “Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means calling 8-1-1 before each job,” said Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli.  “Calling 8-1-1 at least three business days before you want to begin work is a simple procedure to ensure your own safety and the safety of the entire community.” 

“Familiarity and compliance with PA One Call work practices – at a minimum – helps get a job done safely and productively, and that helps employers save money and time,” Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Sandi Vito said. “But even more importantly, when employers and contractors are in compliance with PA One Call requirements, they are preventing injury and saving lives.”

Bill Kiger, President and Executive Director, Pennsylvania One Call System Inc., added, “Are you installing a new fence or deck?  Replacing your mailbox post?  Dial 8-1-1 at least three business days before you dig.  Utility companies will mark their underground lines, so you know what’s below before you dig.  Dial 8-1-1.”

Commissioner Pizzingrilli joined PA One Call and the Department of Labor and Industry at the Central PA Safety Day today at Harrisburg Area Community College in Harrisburg, Dauphin County. 

In Pennsylvania, homeowners and contractors are required by law to call 8-1-1 at least three business days before using power equipment to make certain underground utility lines are marked.  The PUC provided the regulatory support needed to allow Pennsylvania to join the nation with 8-1-1 abbreviated dialing.  In 2006, the PUC ordered all local telecommunications exchange carriers and other carriers with switching capabilities – including payphone providers – to fully implement 8-1-1 as the abbreviated dialing code to access PA One Call.

In May 2007, the PUC launched a statewide effort to increase awareness of the new abbreviated dialing.  An informational brochure on the “Know What’s Below.  Call 8-1-1 before you dig” campaign is also available on the PUC Web site under the Consumer Education link.

Pennsylvania One Call System Inc. is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation established in 1972.  Their purpose is to prevent damage to underground facilities.  To promote safety, they provide an efficient, cost-effective communications network among designers, excavators, and facility owners.  For more information, please visit www.PaOneCall.org.

The Department of Labor & Industry’s mission is to improve the quality of life and economic security for Pennsylvania workers and businesses, encourage labor-management cooperation and prepare the commonwealth’s workforce for the jobs of the future.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov