The Utility Expo digs into safety with CGA partnership

Spring marks the return to digging season, and like every year, The Utility Expo renews its commitment to excavation safety across the construction industry. Every April, National Safe Digging Month brings leaders, contractors, and crews together to prioritize one of the most important components of the job: protecting underground infrastructure and the people working and living near it. 

The Utility Expo stands with Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the force behind National Safe Digging Month, to create a culture of safety and awareness that protects workers, the public, and the essential infrastructure that helps the country run. 

Partnering for a culture of safety 

The Utility Expo holds live demos, hands-on workshops, and educational sessions focused on underground infrastructure. The event brings together forward-thinking professionals to raise the standard of safety. The partnership with CGA further enhances the commitment to safety with new resources, training programs, and collaborative initiatives, ensuring that safety remains a top priority for all attendees. 

"We recognize that organizations like CGA are leading the way in safety culture with public awareness and industry collaboration, and we are thrilled to bring these initiatives to life at The Utility Expo in 2025," said The Utility Expo Show Director Brianne Somers. "CGA helps to ensure everyone, from industry professionals to property owners and home gardeners, has the information and resources they need to dig safely."

"We are honored to partner with The Utility Expo to further our shared mission of promoting excavation safety," said CGA President & CEO Sarah Magruder Lyle. "This collaboration will provide invaluable opportunities to educate and engage with industry professionals, enhancing our collective efforts to protect underground infrastructure and the communities we serve. Together, we can foster a culture of safety that prioritizes awareness, accountability, and proactive prevention measures."

The impact of unsafe digging 

Each year, underground utilities are struck thousands of times across the U.S. The CGA 2023 Dirt Report shows more than 200,000 severe damaging incidents impacting underground infrastructure. A trend consistent with 2022. These incidents often result in serious injuries, service outages, expensive delays, and sometimes death. CGA data shows that there are more than 500 dig-in incidents every day. These are not just data points, these are people, job sites, neighborhoods, and vital public services. 

As industry leaders, contractors, homeowners, and municipalities, it is everyone's responsibility to ask the right questions before each dig: Did we contact 811? Have we double-checked utility responses? Are our teams equipped with the training and tools to dig smart? Such as CGA's National Safe Digging Month Toolkit.

"Anyone who is digging a hole, whether you are paid to do it, or you're a homeowner putting in a mailbox, building a deck, or planting a tree, you call 811," said Vice President of Common Ground Alliance's Damage Prevention Institute, Sam Hall. "For the safety of the people working and living near underground utilities and to help ensure those utilities deliver the products and services their customers expect, it is essential that all stakeholders uphold their responsibilities to prevent excavation damage."

Building with purpose

The exhibitors bring technology that detects buried lines more accurately, automate jobsite alerts, and help teams coordinate workflows. But all the advanced technology on Earth doesn't replace human accountability and leadership.

During Safe Digging Month, the expo encourages all industries to reflect on what is below the ground and who is above it. Every dig can impact someone's father, mother, sister, brother, coworker, neighbor or friend. Every excavation is an investment in someone's well-being. 

"National Safe Digging Month is a meaningful reminder of the responsibility we all share in protecting the people and infrastructure that keep our communities running," said Somers. "At The Utility Expo, we're committed to fostering a culture where safety is second nature and awareness is part of every decision. We are proud to provide a platform that supports education, innovation, and collaboration around the industry's dedication to safe digging practices."

"Excavation safety is a shared responsibility, and beyond that, stakeholders in excavation safety are truly accountable to one another to do the right thing," said Hall. "And when everyone fulfills their obligations properly, everyone wins."

The Utility Expo safe digging initiatives 

The Utility Expo is the largest event for utility professionals and construction contractors seeking comprehensive insights into the latest industry technologies, innovations, and trends. The biennial trade show, known for equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations, takes place in Louisville, KY. The next event will be October 7-9, 2025.