“Everyone has a part to play” to help ensure underground utility safety and damage prevention. That’s the message of a new video and related online and print resources from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

“Contractors, manufacturers and dealers all play a critical role in keeping our communities safe when it comes to underground utility awareness,” said William “Bernie” Bernhard, AEM technical and safety services manager. “AEM is committed to making sure all industry stakeholders are aligned and work together; communication and cooperation are essential.”

The new AEM video and resource materials, which spotlight the roles of key industry stakeholders in contributing to the success and safety of utility excavation and installation projects, are featured in the association’s Underground Utility Awareness campaign launched earlier this year.

“AEM wanted to reinforce the importance of training, planning and communication among all stakeholders, and our campaign provides stakeholders with a variety of tools that emphasize and support industry best practices,” said Bernhard.

In June the AEM campaign distributed the “top 10” common underground utility jobsite myths along with appropriate guidelines and jobsite planning information to dispel the myths.   

AEM will also provide manufacturers and allied industry groups with a toolkit of resources, including flyers, posters and social media graphics, to further reach industry stakeholders with the campaign messages.

Go Online: Visit icuee.com/uua to access the Underground Utility Awareness video and Top 10 Myths and Play Your Part materials.

ICUEE-The Demo Expo: The AEM underground utility awareness campaign will be featured at AEM’s upcoming ICUEE-The Demo Expo, to be held September 29-October 1 in Louisville, Kentucky, offering the newest technologies and trends for utilities and utility contractors (electric, telecommunications/cable, natural gas, water and wastewater sectors). Visit www.icuee.com for the latest show information.

Safety Materials Available: AEM will also spotlight its equipment safety manuals and related materials at ICUEE 2015 (including directional drilling and directional drilling tracking equipment, vacuum excavators, trenchers and auger boring machines). Visit www.safetymaterials.org for more information.