JULIE, INC. HOSTS STATEWIDE CONTRACTOR SAFETY MEETINGS

CONTACT:  Kevin T. Chmura
815/741-5005
chmura@julie1call.com

STATE OF ILLINOIS – Representatives of the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE, Inc.) announced recently that 21 contractor safety meetings* would be held across the state this winter.  Over 6,000 professional contractors and representatives from member utilities are expected to attend a one-hour safety presentation that focuses on underground damage prevention awareness and the latest industry issues. 

“Our goal is to provide information that will help excavators do their jobs more safely and effectively.  These safety meetings are designed to increase excavator awareness of the underground utility dangers that exist and encourage the continued use of Illinois' utility notification system prior to the start of any project involving digging,” said Kevin Chmura, public relations manager of JULIE, Inc.  “The presentation will also address misconceptions and frequently asked questions about changes to the Illinois Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act.”

Registration begins at 7:45 a.m., followed by the safety presentation at 8:15 a.m. Due to a significant increase in the expected number of attendees, professional contractors interested in attending one of the meetings are encouraged to register online at www.julie1call.com as soon as possible.  Seating is limited.

JULIE, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation that provides professional and non-professional excavators with a toll-free number (1-800-892-0123) for the free locating and marking of underground facilities.  JULIE serves as a message handling, notification service for underground facility owners, taking information about planned excavations and distributing this information to its membership.  It is then the responsibility of each facility owner to mark the location of their underground facilities at the excavation site. JULIE neither owns nor marks any underground facilities.

JULIE, Inc. promotes an easier, safer digging environment and serves the entire state of Illinois outside of the city of Chicago, which is covered by DIGGER.  Illinois law requires all persons digging to call JULIE at least two working days prior to the start of excavation and to begin that project within 14 calendar days from the call.  The 48 hour notice does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.

Established in 1974, JULIE currently represents 1,475 member companies in Illinois who benefit from their participation through a reduction in lost time accidents, service interruptions and costly repairs. 

Registration information is available at www.illinois1call.com or call 815-741-5000 (front office).