New initiative encourages 811 reminders on equipment to boost farm safety
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) have announced a new partnership aimed at improving safety around underground utilities.
As part of the initiative, the organizations are encouraging manufacturers to place visible 811 reminder decals on agricultural and other non-highway equipment that could disturb soil and accidentally strike buried utility lines.
The decals remind operators to contact 811 before beginning digging activities. Utility strikes can lead to power outages, service disruptions, property damage, and serious injuries.
The program is designed to improve awareness among farmers and equipment operators, who often work near underground infrastructure while installing drainage systems, building fences, or performing other field activities.
“Our members build the machines that build, feed and power the world, and safety is central to that work,” said Megan Tanel, AEM president and CEO. “Adding an 811 decal is a simple, visible way for equipment manufacturers to remind operators to contact 811 before digging or working near underground infrastructure. We are proud to work with CGA to help share this important safety message across the industry.”
AEM and CGA hope the recommendation will become a common industry practice, with applicable new equipment sold in the United States featuring the decal by August 2027.
The organizations say operators play an important role in preventing utility damage. According to industry estimates, more than 213,000 incidents involving underground infrastructure were reported across the United States in 2025.
The initiative also covers equipment already in operation. Owners will be able to access official decal materials and licensing options to add the safety reminder to existing machinery.
"Preventing damage to underground infrastructure is a shared responsibility, and this best practice will remind equipment operators closest to the dig to contact 811 before starting their work," said Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, President and CEO of the Common Ground Alliance. "When non-road equipment manufacturers stand with us, we reach operators before a shovel ever hits the ground. That's how we reduce our top driver of damages every year, which is failure to contact 811 before digging."
Industry leaders believe the partnership will increase awareness of safe digging practices and help reduce preventable accidents in rural areas.
“As manufacturers, we provide the equipment, so we have a role to play in reminding every operator to contact 811 if the ground is not clearly marked for utilities,” said Kevin Thomas, executive vice president, Industrial Equipment Division, at Alamo Group Inc. and 2027 show Chair of The Utility Expo. “Attendees can expect to see this decal on equipment across the show floor at The Utility Expo 2027 — a clear signal that our industry takes damage prevention seriously.”
Beyond the decal program, AEM and CGA plan to continue working together on education, outreach, and safety guidance. Their shared goal is to help protect operators, communities, and critical utility services while promoting responsible equipment use across agriculture and other industries.
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