New York Construction Report staff writer
Representatives from New York 811 traveled to construction sites across Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Aug. 11, meeting with construction managers to promote awareness, safety practices and protocols.
Some of the sites visited were Bancker Construction in Valley Stream and Baldwin, Asplundh Construction in Islip and Scalamandre Construction in Hauppauge.
August 11 marked National 811 Day, to highlight important construction site rules and safety regulations that keep the public and contractors safe whenever equipment is used for excavation or digging.
“On National 811 Day, we say ‘thank you’ to our partners and members as they play an important role in ensuring safety and residents safe,” said Roger Sampson, executive director of New York 811.
“Cooperation between service members, utility companies and construction workers allow us to strengthen our relationships which furthers our commitment to safety and awareness.”
Utility companies and contractors must be aware that they need to call 811 before beginning construction to ensure all underground gas, electric, and other service lines are marked prior to starting any digging project.
New York 811, Inc., is a non-profit organization that acts as the communications link between utility companies and contractors, individuals, private excavation companies and other utilities that are planning any digging activity in the five boroughs of New York City and Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island.
State law requires all contractors to call 8-1-1 before starting an excavation project, including general digging for gardening, landscaping, pool installations, any and all construction projects, demolitions and excavations.