Central Hudson Reminds Excavators of “Dig Safely Week” in New York

“Dig Safely Week” is being recognized in New York from April 9 through 15, and Central Hudson reminds anyone who plans to dig or excavate to contact the Dig Safely New York hotline at 1-800-962-7962 before proceeding. “Ensuring that proper contacts are made prior to digging or excavating is an important safety measure,” said Charles A. Freni, Senior Vice President of Customer Services at Central Hudson. “All contractors, and even homeowners excavating on their own property, should contact Dig Safely New York at least two to 10 days prior to digging in order to prevent accidental contact with utility lines. With the high level of construction activity in the Mid-Hudson Valley, it’s crucial that homeowners and excavating contractors follow New York State regulations by first calling Dig Safely New York so that underground utilities can be identified and marked.”

This “One-Call” number connects the homeowner or excavator to a statewide notification system that alerts utilities, municipalities and other parties that operate underground facilities of the contractors' intent to excavate at specific sites so that subsurface facilities can be marked out. Damaging underground facilities can result in significant consequences. These regulations are designed to protect individuals from physical harm and liability, and the general public from service interruptions of critical utilities,” noted Freni.

Damage to underground facilities can subject excavators to civil penalties and other liabilities, such as the costs to repair damage caused by the excavation. In addition, contact with certain underground facilities, such as natural gas pipelines and high voltage electric lines, can cause serious injury to those digging and bystanders in the immediate vicinity, as well as causing an interruption of utility services to homes, businesses and critical facilities, such as schools and hospitals.

When working near utility lines, excavators and construction crews are also encouraged to contact Central Hudson to meet with a representative to review plans and suggest ways to work safely. They should also establish a communications plan with their workers to inform them of the location and potential hazards of utility lines in the area.

Additional information on the Dig Safely New York One-Call system is available on their Web site at www.DigSafelyNewYork.com. To learn more about contractor safety and working near utility lines, call Central Hudson at (845) 452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714, or visit www.CentralHudson.com.

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