Common Ground Alliance surveyed excavators to better understand why 811 might not be called before digging.
The results of the 2018 survey are posted below. The question asked: "Thinking of notifying 811 or call-before-you-dig, in your opinion, for which of the following reasons do you or others not call or go online to have the underground utility lines on a job site marked?"
30% - "The project was not in an area that needed marking."
29% - "Already aware of where the utility lines were located."
23% - "Not digging deep enough to warrant marking / digging was shallow."
23% - "Utility lines run overhead / they're not buried."
16% - "Dug in this area previously without problems."
15% -"Replacing a similar project in the same location."
13% - "The project location was away from other buildings."
12% - "The project timeline does not allow."
10% - "Not aware marking was necessary."
9% - "It is not my responsibility."
9% - "Not a subcontractor's responsibility."
7% - "Didn't think to call ahead."
Remember to ALWAYS call 811 before you dig - everytime! - no matter the project or your previous experience working on the property.
