Utility group seeks to limit underground mishaps
Date Posted: May 11 2001
More than 30,000 Michigan contractors were sent a mailing this month from a partnership of state utilities encouraging them and their workers to dig safely this season.
In a new twist to safety incentives, contractors that do not cause damage to underground utility service lines can win tickets to a Detroit Tigers baseball game in September.
Sponsored by Consumers Energy, Detroit Edison, Michigan Consolidated Gas Co. and Ameritech, the "Raise the Flags" contest is part of a multi-faceted communications effort by Michigan utilities to reduce the amount of damage done to their underground service pipeline and buried cable.
According to utility records, last year in Michigan there were more than 10,000 recorded damages to underground facilities that caused loss of communication and utility service, property damage and sometimes serious injury.
Since this is a contractor program, building trades workers probably won't see in the inside of Comerica Park as part of this contest - but this does provide us with another opportunity to remind Hardhats to make sure they're digging safely.
The statewide "Raise the Flags" contest mailing outlines four steps for contractors to follow to dig safely, including:
- Call MISS DIG,
- Wait the required three business days before giving utilities time to "raise the flags" over this underground fixtures;
- Hand-dig to expose buried service lines and cables before using power equipment; and
- Respect the flags whenever operating in their vicinity.
Contractors who follow these guidelines and have no verifiable dig-in damages to underground utility lines and cables between April 15 and Aug. 15, 2001 will be eligible for a Sept. 1 drawing, with the grand prize being the use of a suite at Comerica Park for the Sept. 15 baseball game between the Tigers and Kansas City Royals.
Contractors may enter the contest by returning the postcard in their mail or by registering online at www.detroitedison.com/business/emergency/raiseflags.html. Four sets of tickets to the Sept. 15 game will be awarded as second prizes.