National 811 Day: Top 3 ways to keep underground construction crews safe with Ditch Witch and Subsite

Every August 11, underground construction professionals recognize National 811 Day—a critical reminder that safe digging starts with a simple, free call. For contractors, this is more than a date on the calendar; it’s a call to action to protect crews, communities and critical infrastructure by preventing utility strikes. Leveraging industry-leading solutions from Ditch Witch^® and Subsite^® can make a significant difference in achieving this goal.

Underground utility strikes remain a leading cause of jobsite injuries, costly repairs and project delays. According to the Common Ground Alliance’s 2023 DIRT Report, while damage incidents are trending downward, persistent root causes and locating delays still present significant challenges. Striking a utility line can result in expensive repairs, not to mention the risk of injury, service outages and environmental harm. Research shows that calling 811 before digging gives you a 99% chance of avoiding incidents, injuries and environmental harm.

Here’s how contractors can keep their crews safe and ensure no existing utilities are struck while digging—especially when equipped with Ditch Witch and Subsite products and services.

1. Always Call 811 Before You Dig

Calling 811 is the foremost preventive measure in excavation safety. It’s free, fast and required by law in most states. Always call at least two to three business days before digging, so utility companies can mark the location of underground lines. In 58% of utility damage cases, 811 wasn’t called. Don’t become a statistic—make the call every time, no matter the size or depth of the project.

2. Use Soft Digging with Ditch Witch Vacuum Excavators

Once utilities are marked, respect the tolerance zone by using soft digging methods. Ditch Witch vacuum excavators provide a safe and efficient means of exposing utilities while minimizing the risk of damaging them. Vacuum excavation is a best practice for preventing strikes, especially in congested underground environments. These machines use high-powered suction and water to safely remove soil, allowing crews to visually confirm the location of utilities before proceeding with mechanical excavation.

3. Train and Brief Your Crews with Ditch Witch and Subsite Resources

Proper training is essential to prevent mistakes and injuries. Ditch Witch and Subsite offer comprehensive training options both online and through their extensive dealership network. These programs cover everything from utility locating best practices to safe operation of vacuum excavators. Regular toolbox talks and ongoing education ensure that every crew member understands utility markings, safe digging techniques and emergency procedures.

Key Takeaways for National 811 Day

Calling 811 before digging is the single most effective way to prevent utility strikes, with a 99% success rate in avoiding incidents. Most utility strikes are preventable—insufficient excavation practices and failure to call 811 are the top causes. By integrating Ditch Witch vacuum excavators, Subsite’s advanced locating technology and robust training resources into your workflow, you can dramatically improve jobsite safety and efficiency.

Let’s make every day as safe as National 811 Day. By following these steps and leveraging the best tools and training available, contractors can lead the way in damage prevention, keep their crews safe and help the industry reach its goal of reducing utility damages by 50% over five years.