John Deere Construction & Forestry has been awarded the Common Ground Alliance’s President’s Corporate Award of Excellence for promoting the Alliance and the 811 “call-before-you-dig” safety program. The CGA launched the FCC-designated 811 number in 2007 to reduce underground utility strikes, save lives and eliminate the confusion of multiple call-before-you-dig numbers being used across the country.
As a result, homeowners, farmers, contractors and landscapers can call one easy-to-remember number to have crews mark a requested site for underground lines prior to any excavation. The number has resulted in a decrease in underground strikes; however, fatalities and damage still occur, underscoring the need for an ongoing safety campaign.
By including 811 information on its website and featuring the 811 logo prominently in its advertising and trade show booth displays, Deere says it has helped drive awareness of the 811 number since it was established.
