The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has launched an initiative aimed at making sure the underground utility industry follows best practices for excavation, in an effort to save lives and avoid property damage.

The AEM says the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Campaign will:

• Promote best practices for jobsite preparation and equipment operation
• Demonstrate underground utility installation and repair as safe, efficient and effective
• Dispel common myths and negative perceptions associated with underground utility installation
• Provide tools for improved worker skills, knowledge, and awareness

Machinery covered includes horizontal directional drills, vacuum excavators, trenchers and related underground equipment. Several AEM working committees of manufacturer members helped develop campaign ideas and scope.
 
“We want to involve the widest possible scope of industry groups and stakeholders and work together to educate and promote safe utility installation, repair and maintenance,” stated William Bernhard, technical and safety services manager at AEM.
 
For more information and to get involved, contact AEM’s Bernhard (wbernhard@aem.org, tel: 414-298-4106).          

More industry education resources:

AEM assists manufacturers and the off-road equipment industry in fostering safety best practices through the association’s extensive array of safety manuals, videos and related training materials. Visit www.safetymaterials.org for more information.
 
AEM owns and produces ICUEE – The Demo Expo. ICUEE is the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition, the leading event for utilities and contractors, featuring live demonstrations and best practices for utility construction, maintenance and rehabilitation projects. Attend ICUEE 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky, September 29 - October 1. Visit www.icuee.com for more information.

About the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) - www.aem.org  

AEM is the North American-based international trade group providing innovative business development resources to advance the off-road equipment manufacturing industry in the global marketplace. AEM membership comprises more than 850 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture, construction, forestry, mining and utility sectors worldwide. AEM is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with offices in the world capitals of Washington, D.C.; Ottawa, Canada; and Beijing, China.