National Safe Digging Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Safe Digging Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Safe Digging Month is celebrated on April 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Safe Digging Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you might want to know about National Safe Digging Month.

📅 What day is National Safe Digging Month 2024?

In 2024, National Safe Digging Month is on Saturday, April 1st. It is the 1st Saturday in April; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the exciting details and facts about April 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Safe Digging Month is celebrated every April to raise awareness about the importance of safe digging practices. It is a time when all stakeholders of the Common Ground Alliance come together to promote the message of safe digging, as this is the time of year when digging activity increases across the country. Various projects and events are organized throughout the month to educate both the general public and specialists on how to dig safely. The Common Ground Alliance warns that careless digging can cause significant damage to the extensive subsurface infrastructure in the United States, potentially affecting nearly 20 million kilometers of it.

📜 National Safe Digging Month History

People have a natural inclination to dig underground structures like tunnels and ditches for various reasons. This instinct can be traced back to our childhood when we would dig holes in the ground. As we grow older, we might dig in the ground to find food and water. Archaeological evidence shows that even in ancient times, humans were digging wells for water, with some dating back to the Neolithic period. The first documented archaeological dig was conducted by King Nabonidus of Babylon in the 6th century B.C. During different historical periods, humans have used tools to make digging easier. The shovel is a common tool used for digging, and in earlier times, people even used animal bones as makeshift shovels. Nowadays, shovels are typically made of metal with a wooden handle.

✅ National Safe Digging Month Facts

🔖 Equivalent to a football field
In the United States, each person has access to an extensive network of underground utilities that spans an area equivalent to more than a football field.

🔖 Twenty-million miles of underground utilities
The Common Ground Alliance states that there are approximately 20 million miles of underground infrastructure in the United States.

🔖 Pipeline accidents
Pipeline accidents are most commonly caused by unauthorized digging.

👍 Why Is National Safe Digging Month Important

Every year, digging efforts cause harm to thousands of pieces of buried infrastructure. Almost all services are affected, and some incidents cause significant environmental damage, major injury, and even death. The holiday reminds homeowners and contractors to call before beginning any excavation work to ensure their safety.

All year, safe digging is required to ensure the safety of those who work or live near subsurface facilities. It also safeguards critical services that people rely on on a daily basis.

Health and safety must always come first when digging safely. Improper digging damages subterranean assets, necessitating repairs. National safe digging month gives opportunities to avoid indirect expenses and lost income for local companies.

🙂 How To Observe National Safe Digging Month

⚡ Visit the Common Ground Alliance website
Before you begin any digging, make sure to visit the C.G.A. website for additional details. On the website, you’ll find 811 campaigns, guidelines on digging, and informative videos that can assist you in safely maximizing your digging endeavors.

⚡ Share via your socials
Using social networking is the fastest method to share information. You can help raise awareness about the importance of safe digging by using hashtags like #NationalSafeDiggingMonth. This will not only spread the message but also remind others about the significance of safe digging.

⚡ Contact 811 before digging
Make sure to contact 811 before you begin any digging. While it may seem like a hassle, it’s crucial to remember that these guidelines exist for a reason. Failing to call before you dig could lead to serious consequences.

📅 When is National Safe Digging Month?

You can view all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Safe Digging Month. So be sure to check back soon.