Dig Safe Month is a timely reminder to call before you dig
ST. CATHARINES, ON, March 26, 2012 /CNW/ - April 1st marks the official start of Dig Safe Month. The Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) and its stakeholders have designated April as the annual Dig Safe Month in Ontario. This month is dedicated to improving safety and reducing damages to underground facilities by raising awareness of safe digging practices through local events across the province.
The 2012 Dig Safe Provincial Kick-Off will take place on April 2nd in Ottawa from 7:30am until 12:30pm at locations in the downtown area and at City Hall. There will be a formal announcement at approximately 10:30am by Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, proclaiming April as Dig Safe Month in Ottawa. From approximately 7:30am until 10:00am, the Kick-off will feature a large number of ORCGA member volunteers promoting Dig Safe by handing out brochures and informing the general public about safe digging practices. These activities will take place in a number of downtown locations. This will be followed by a gathering at City Hall of a number of Ottawa based Excavators, ORCGA Member Companies & the General Public for the announcement by Mayor Jim Watson.
During this time inside City Hall there will be a number of information booths featuring both Dig Safe and Utility Damage Prevention information. Also featured will be a number of short presentations of support from ORCGA member company representatives.
"Dig Safe Month is designed to naturally coincide with the unofficial start of spring digging season. It will serve as a reminder to homeowners and contractors that they need to call before they start digging," said ORCGA President Jim Douglas.
The ORCGA and its members, including Ontario One Call, are encouraging homeowners and contractors to call for locates before they dig to prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages. Throughout April, ORCGA members will be leading local campaigns across the province to spread awareness about safe digging practices and "Call Before You Dig". Ensuring the safety of those who work or live in the vicinity of underground facilities and protecting vital services is everyone's responsibility.
Visit www.digsafe.ca for more information on Dig Safe Month, "Call Before You Dig", safety guidelines and how to get involved.
About the ORCGA
ORCGA is a member-driven association of 440 member organizations and sponsors representing 19 Stakeholder groups who have a "Shared Responsibility in the Protection of Underground Infrastructure". Established in 2003, the ORCGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices. ORCGA has established itself as the leading damage prevention organization in an effort to reduce damages to underground facilities in Ontario through shared responsibility among all industry stakeholders. For more information on the ORCGA, visit www.orcga.com
For further information:
Jim Douglas Phone: 1-866-446-4493
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