August 11th is a special day in the world of damage prevention and safety – it's 811 Day! On this day, we come together to raise awareness about the importance of calling 811 before digging and excavation projects. By making this simple call, we can prevent accidents, and utility damage, and ensure the safety of our communities.
Today, we'll explore the significance of National 811 Day, the crucial role of BOSS811™ as a modern 811 One Call Ticket Management Solution, and how it can help streamline utility requests, increase productivity, and ensure safety for all.
National 811 Day is a nationwide initiative to promote safe digging practices and raise awareness about the potential dangers of underground utility damage. The date, August 11th, serves as a reminder to everyone involved in digging and excavation projects to always call 811 before they start. Whether you are a homeowner working on a do-it-yourself landscaping project or a professional excavator, this simple call can save lives and prevent costly damage.
The Importance of Calling 811 Before Digging
Digging without knowing the exact location of underground utilities can have severe consequences. Hitting a gas line, water pipe, or electrical cable can cause dangerous gas leaks, water flooding, or power outages. Not only does this pose a risk to your safety and the safety of others, but it can also result in significant financial liabilities. Calling 811 allows utility companies to mark the approximate location of buried lines, ensuring that you can avoid them and proceed with your project safely.
The significance of this call extends far beyond convenience; it can be a matter of life and death. Shockingly, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) reports that ruptured gas distribution systems have already claimed 12 lives this year. Since 2005, damage to gas distribution systems has resulted in 225 fatalities and nearly $8.5 billion (about $26 per person in the US) in damage to public and industry property*.
Understanding the Real Impact
To grasp the true scope of the problem, a recent DIRT Report (Damage Information Reporting Tool) provides insights into the damage resulting from underground utility strikes. The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) estimates that these strikes lead to a staggering $30 billion in direct and indirect costs annually. Surprisingly, the leading root cause for these incidents is the "failure to notify" (not calling 811) before excavation.
BOSS811™ is a state-of-the-art One Call Locate Ticket Management software designed to streamline the process of calling 811 and managing excavation projects efficiently. It is the go-to solution for municipalities, utilities, contractors, and private underground utility locating services.
Benefits of BOSS811™
User-Friendly Interface: BOSS811™ offers an easy-to-use platform that simplifies the process of submitting locate requests. Homeowners and professionals can quickly create and manage their locate tickets, saving time and effort.
Real-Time Communication: BOSS811™ allows users to communicate with utility companies in real time. This fosters seamless coordination between all parties involved, ensuring that excavation projects proceed without delays.
Increased Productivity: By streamlining utility requests and communication, BOSS811™ enhances productivity on the job site. With less time spent on paperwork and waiting for responses, contractors can complete projects more efficiently.
Reduced Risks: By using BOSS811™, you minimize the risks associated with underground utility damage. The precise marking of utility lines helps prevent accidents, ensuring the safety of workers and the community.
As we celebrate 811 Day, let's remember the critical role that calling 811 plays in damage prevention and safety. By making this simple call, we can avoid accidents, protect underground utilities, and ensure the well-being of our communities. And with BOSS811™ as the modern 811 One Call Ticket Management Solution, we have a powerful tool at our disposal to streamline utility requests, increase productivity, and most importantly, keep everyone safe.
So, whether you are a homeowner or a professional excavator, make BOSS811™ your trusted companion for all your damage prevention needs. Let's work together to make every day 811 Day!