AEM and CGA Launch Nationwide 811 Safety Decal Initiative

The joint initiative, formalized through a Statement of Shared Principles, encourages non-highway equipment manufacturers to apply standardized 811-safety decals during the production process. These labels serve as a permanent visual cue for operators to verify underground utility locations before initiating any digging or earth-moving activity. The organizations intend for these safety markers to appear on all applicable new equipment sold in the U.S. market by August 2027.

Beyond new production, the program addresses the existing fleet by offering equipment owners a no-cost license to reproduce and retrofit official 811 decals. This outreach extends to agricultural sectors and rural operators, where the risk of striking hidden power or communication lines remains high. Megan Tanel, president and CEO of AEM, noted that the decal is a straightforward method to reinforce safety protocols at the point of operation. Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, president and CEO of CGA, emphasized that engaging manufacturers allows the industry to reach operators at the critical moment before a shovel or blade hits the ground, directly targeting the primary cause of utility damage: failure to notify 811.

Industry leaders are already signaling widespread adoption, with Kevin Thomas of Alamo Group Inc. confirming that the decals will be prominently displayed on equipment at The Utility Expo 2027. This collaboration marks a long-term commitment between the two organizations to standardize safety guidance across the construction and agriculture sectors, aiming to curb the high volume of service interruptions and safety hazards resulting from preventable underground accidents.