Page 9 - Louisiana 811 Magazine 2020 Issue 3

So, what does that mean? He said, “What that tells me is
that the ‘call 811 before you dig’ message is getting out there. In other words, I don’t think the increased ticket volume
was due to more new work, but rather I think the increased volume was due to an increase in the awareness to call before you dig. My logic is that with more new work coupled with the same old habits would generate an increase in damages as a result of the additional work. On the flip side, if you’re seeing an increase in tickets and decrease in damages, it probably means they have been doing the same volume of work all along, but now they’re making the call. And that’s
all we ever wanted. Call 811 before you dig, that’s the best first step ever taken in the field.” Steven shared, “This seems to be a nationwide trend. Damages can be prevented, we’ve just all got to work together.”
When asked if there was anything Steven would want the community to know, his response was a genuine offer of support. “You know, we’re here to help. We’re here to help the Operators and the Excavators. If anyone has an issue, they can call us. If you have a complaint, don’t be afraid
to call us to file a complaint. We want to change attitudes and the way folks work. That doesn’t always necessarily mean a fine, it can simply be through education. Education is a part of every citation that we issue. It’s required that they do some education for the person who committed the violation. If we can bring down damages through education and communication in meetings, that’s just as good as fines... actually, that’s better than fines. However, we will get there and we’ll use whatever tools are at our disposal to make it happen.”
2020, Issue 3
Louisiana 811
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