As Michigan builders gear up for warmer weather and a busy construction season, one critical safety practice should always come first: call 811 before you dig. Whether you're operating a backhoe on a large site or breaking ground with a simple shovel, failing to locate underground utilities can lead to devastating injuries, costly repairs, and serious legal liabilities.
Every year, more than 200,000 excavation-related damages occur across the U.S., causing an estimated $30 billion in losses, according to the Common Ground Alliance. Many of these accidents could have been prevented with one simple action: contacting 811.
Why Calling 811 Matters
Beneath Michigan’s soil lies a complex network of gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecommunication lines. Striking one of these lines can cause:
- Explosions or fires from damaged gas pipes
- Electrocution from severed power lines
- Major service outages for homes and businesses
- Expensive repairs and potential OSHA or MIOSHA violations
Calling 811 — or submitting a ticket online at missdig811.org — connects you to Michigan's MISS DIG System, which will send professional locators to your site, usually within 72 hours, to mark underground lines. It's free. It's fast. It's the law.
6 Essential Digging Safety Steps for Builders
MIOSHA emphasizes that safe digging isn’t just the best practice, it’s a requirement. Here are six key steps every builder and contractor should follow on the job site:
1. Always Have a Valid 811 Ticket
Submit your request to MISS DIG before any excavation, and verify your ticket is valid before starting. It must include accurate details: project location, start and end dates, contractor name, and scope of work.
2. Confirm Utility Responses
Before digging begins, confirm that all utility companies have either marked their lines or cleared the ticket. Physically inspect the site for any signs of unmarked utilities, such as pedestals or meters.
3. Protect the Markings
Once marked, those utility lines are your responsibility. Avoid disturbing the paint or flags and request a remark if weather or equipment makes the markings unclear.
4. Pothole to Expose Utilities
Utility markings are not always exact. Use hand tools or vacuum excavation to safely expose the lines within the "tolerance zone,” a safety buffer around marked utilities where mechanical digging is prohibited.
5. Use Caution with Equipment
Backhoes and other machinery are a leading cause of dig-ins. Designate a spotter to guide the operator and ensure safe distances are maintained near buried lines.
6. Follow OSHA’s 3 S’s for Trench Safety
Trench collapses are among the deadliest job site hazards. Protect workers with:
- Slope: Angle the walls of the trench appropriately.
- Shore: Use supports to reinforce trench walls.
- Shield: Install trench boxes to guard workers inside the trench.
For in-depth guidance, refer to MIOSHA’s Trenching and Excavation Safety Resources.
Why Safe Digging Is a Business Essential
For Michigan builders, adhering to safe digging protocols isn’t just about compliance — it’s about protecting your team, your reputation, and your bottom line. One mistake can sideline a project, cost thousands in repairs, or worse, result in life-altering injuries.
Helpful Resources
- MISS DIG 811 (Michigan’s One-Call System)
https://www.missdig811.org - National 811 Info
https://call811.com - MIOSHA Excavation & Trenching Safety
https://www.michigan.gov/mioshatrenching - Common Ground Alliance Damage Prevention Statistics
https://commongroundalliance.com - MIOSHA’s Trenching and Excavation Safety Resources
- https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/miosha/topics/excavation-and-trenching
