“Call before you dig” and “look up and live” were the two main messages delivered at the annual Contractor Safety Breakfast held at the Events Centre at Gold Eagle Casino.
The event invited area contractors, construction workers and supervisors, first responders and business owners to a meal and presentations hosted by the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance. It is an annual event in April, right before construction season ramps up across the province.
North Battleford is one of 28 locations across the province for the event and it was free of charge to all those in attendance.
Those in attendance were made aware of the importance of safe digging and careful planning before going out on a dig. The video presented this year focused on proper excavation practices and procedures.
Garry Aveyard of SaskTel Safety and a committee member with the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance noted the importance of good digging practices.
“It’s very important that everyone knows that there’s lots of stuff in the ground nowadays,” said Aveyard.
“There’s fiber, copper, power, energy and who knows what else is there from the private owners.”
He advises that those excavating call Sask 1st Call and let them know what they are doing, and they will direct the call to where it should go.
Safety is the number one concern, with overhead power and gas being the most dangerous.
Overhead power lines can electrocute, while broken gas lines can trigger major explosions.
“Gas lines explode houses, it’s proven, it’s happened in this province,” said Aveyard.
But it is also important to avoid damage to telephone and cable lines. They may not be as much of a safety hazard, says Aveyard, but are costly to repair.
Aveyard advises everyone to keep safety in mind, and notes the message is a good one even when digging in your own back yard, because there are a lot of utilities there.
“Before you put a shovel in the ground, it’s good to know where those are. So phone Sask 1st Call, everyone.”
