AEM and CGA Expand 811 Safety Guidance

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) have announced a new partnership focused on expanding 811 safety messaging across equipment sold in the United States.

The organizations adopted a Statement of Shared Principles supporting consistent guidance and best practices for contacting 811 before digging and operating equipment near underground infrastructure.

As an initial action under the shared principles, AEM and CGA are recommending that manufacturers of non-highway equipment add an 811-reminder decal to machines that could unintentionally contact underground utilities. The recommendation could apply to applicable new equipment sold in the U.S. market by August 2027.

Contact with underground utilities can cause power outages and service interruptions and can result in serious injury or death to operators and bystanders. The decal is intended to remind operators to contact 811 so underground utilities can be marked before work begins.

“Our members build the machines that build, feed, and power the world, and safety is central to that work,” said Megan Tanel, AEM president and CEO. “Adding an 811 decal is a simple, visible way for equipment manufacturers to remind operators to contact 811 before digging or working near underground infrastructure. We are proud to work with CGA to help share this important safety message across the industry.”

The best practice, which was endorsed by the boards of both organizations, identifies equipment operators as the last line of defense against underground utility strikes.

An estimated 213,985 damages to underground infrastructure were reported across the U.S. in 2025, according to the release. The initiative supports CGA's goal of reducing damage to underground infrastructure and helping keep workers and communities safe and connected to utilities.

"Preventing damage to underground infrastructure is a shared responsibility, and this best practice will remind equipment operators closest to the dig to contact 811 before starting their work," said Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, president and CEO of the CGA. "When non-road equipment manufacturers stand with us, we reach operators before a shovel ever hits the ground. That's how we reduce our top driver of damages every year, which is failure to contact 811 before digging."

The recommendation applies to both new and existing equipment. Participating manufacturers can apply the decal during production of new machines. Owners of equipment already in the field can request a no-cost license from CGA to reproduce the official decal and retrofit their fleets.

The organizations noted that underground utility safety also applies outside traditional construction sites. Farmers and other agricultural operators can encounter underground lines in fields, farmyards, and rural rights-of-way.

The initiative is intended to increase awareness in any sector where equipment may dig, pull, or otherwise impact underground infrastructure.

“As manufacturers, we provide the equipment, so we have a role to play in reminding every operator to contact 811 if the ground is not clearly marked for utilities,” said Kevin Thomas, executive vice president, Industrial Equipment Division, at Alamo Group Inc. and 2027 show Chair of The Utility Expo. “Attendees can expect to see this decal on equipment across the show floor at The Utility Expo 2027 — a clear signal that our industry takes damage prevention seriously.”

AEM and CGA said their Statement of Shared Principles extends beyond the decal initiative and reflects a broader commitment to consistent safety guidance, industry education, and tools designed to prevent underground infrastructure damage.