NATIONAL SAFE DIGGING MONTH SET FOR APRIL
According to a national survey, nearly three of four U.S. homeowners are planning to perform a home project requiring digging in the next 12 months. Findings of the survey were announced by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) in observance of April being National Safe Digging Month.
Of concern to CGA, which is a national association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, is that of the estimated 60 million Americans planning to break ground for 2026 projects, one in six – or 10 million people – are planning to skip contacting 8-1-1.
8-1-1 is the designated call-before-you-dig service that helps prevent dangerous and costly utility strikes. With some utility lines buried just inches below the surface, striking one – whether gas, electric, water, sewer or communications – can cause serious injury, service disruptions for entire neighborhoods and repair bills that could outpace any DIY savings, according to CGA.
“CGA’s survey results highlight why National Safe Digging Month is such an important reminder … Never assume your project is too shallow,” said CGA President/CEO Sarah K. Magruder Lyle. “The reality is that utility lines can be buried much closer to the surface than people expect, which is why contacting 8-1-1 before every project – big or small – is a must. Every dig. Every time.”
It is suggested that the following steps are taken for a safe project:
- Always contact 8-1-1 a few days before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property.
- Plan ahead. Make a free 8-1-1 request on Monday or Tuesday for work planned for an upcoming weekend, providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked.
- Confirm that all lines have been marked.
- Consider moving the location of the project if it is near utility line markings.
- If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has contacted 8-1-1. Don’t allow work to begin if the lines aren’t marked.
Based in Washington, D.C., CGA is a member-driven association of nearly 4,000 damage prevention professionals spanning every facet of the underground utility industry. For more information, visit www.commongroundalliance.com.
FRANTZ WARD ANNOUNCES ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICE
Frantz Ward LLP recently announced it has established an Environmental Practice Group and the addition of Michael R. Blumenthal and David B. Waxman as Partners with the firm.
Blumenthal brings more than three decades of environmental law experience to Frantz Ward. He has advised clients on compliance, regulatory matters and provided complex litigation in the areas of manufacturing, energy, oil and gas, finance and real estate.
Waxman brings nearly 40 years of experience to Frantz Ward’s Corporate/Business Law Group. He has experience in environmental matters and insurance, commercial real estate financing, construction leasing, corporate governance and business acquisitions and divestitures.
Blumenthal and Waxman will further strengthen Frantz Ward’s ability to guide clients through evolving regulations and high-stakes environmental matters, as the firm’s Environmental Practice Group will help clients manage environmental risk, secure regulatory approvals and advance projects.
Frantz Ward LLP, based in Cleveland, is a full-service law firm of more than 75 attorneys. For more information about the firm’s Environmental Practice Group and its other law groups, visit www.frantzward.com.
ASSUREDPARTNERS ACQUIRED BY ARTHUR J. GALLAGHER & CO.
OCA member AssuredPartners was acquired by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. last August.
AssuredPartners was an insurance broker with client capabilities across commercial property/casualty, specialty, employee benefits and personal lines, and served a wide range of customers including commercial, public entity and individuals.
“I am extremely excited to welcome our new colleagues to Gallagher,” said J. Patrick Gallagher Jr., Chairman/CEO. “Together, we will further build upon our client-centric, entrepreneurial cultures and utilize our product and industry expertise, extensive data, innovative analytical tools, outstanding service and broad product offerings to provide our clients with the very best insurance and risk management solutions.”
Founded in 1927, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and completed 33 mergers in 2025. For more information about the company, visit www.ajg.com.
CONSTRUCTION ANGELS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
Construction Angels is currently accepting scholarship nominations through July 23.
Construction Angels, which OCA serves as a state chapter, provides financial assistance and grief counseling to children, 19 years and younger, and spouses of construction workers killed in work-related accidents.
Launched in 2018, the Construction Angels Scholarship Program offers two types of construction scholarship opportunities: 1) For children having lost a parent due to a construction-related fatality; and 2) Students seeking to further their education in the construction industry.
For more information on the Construction Angels Scholarship Program and a link to download a 2026 scholarship application, visit www.constructionangels.us/scholarship/.
Ohio is one of more than 30 states supporting Construction Angels, which is headquartered in Lighthouse Point, Fla. For more information on Construction Angels, visit www.constructionangels.us/.
If you are an OCA member and have news about your business or company regarding in-state staff changes or honors, and would like it to appear in Ohio Contractor, send the information by email to editorial@triad-inc.com, or by calling 800-288-7423.