AEM and CGA Back 811 Decals on Equipment

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) have adopted a Statement of Shared Principles aimed at improving underground utility safety awareness across the equipment industry.

The organizations are recommending that non-highway equipment manufacturers add an 811-reminder decal to equipment that could unintentionally dig into underground utilities. The recommendation could extend to applicable new equipment sold in the United States by August 2027.

The decal is intended to remind equipment operators to contact 811 and have underground utilities marked before beginning work. Striking underground infrastructure can cause power outages and utility service interruptions and can result in serious injury or death.

“Our members build the machines that build, feed, and power the world, and safety is central to that work,” said Megan Tanel, AEM president and CEO. “Adding an 811 decal is a simple, visible way for equipment manufacturers to remind operators to contact 811 before digging or working near underground infrastructure. We are proud to work with CGA to help share this important safety message across the industry.”

The recommendation covers both new equipment and machines already in operation. Participating manufacturers will be able to apply the decal during production on new machines.

Equipment owners can request a no-cost license from CGA to reproduce the official 811 decal and add it to existing equipment fleets. Program details, artwork, and licensing information are available through CGA.

The organizations said the best practice places equipment operators as the last line of defense against underground utility strikes. In 2025, an estimated 213,985 damages to underground infrastructure were reported across the United States.

"Preventing damage to underground infrastructure is a shared responsibility, and this best practice will remind equipment operators closest to the dig to contact 811 before starting their work," said Sarah K. Magruder Lyle, president and CEO of the Common Ground Alliance. "When non-road equipment manufacturers stand with us, we reach operators before a shovel ever hits the ground. That's how we reduce our top driver of damages every year, which is failure to contact 811 before digging."

The safety message is intended to reach beyond traditional construction applications. AEM and CGA noted that farmers and other agricultural operators can also encounter underground utilities in fields, farmyards and rural rights-of-way.

“As manufacturers, we provide the equipment, so we have a role to play in reminding every operator to contact 811 if the ground is not clearly marked for utilities,” said Kevin Thomas, executive vice president, Industrial Equipment Division, at Alamo Group Inc. and 2027 show Chair of The Utility Expo. “Attendees can expect to see this decal on equipment across the show floor at The Utility Expo 2027 — a clear signal that our industry takes damage prevention seriously.”

The Statement of Shared Principles is intended to establish ongoing cooperation between AEM and CGA around safety guidance, industry education, and practical tools for preventing underground infrastructure damage.