Page 3 - Texas811

from the desk of
Chris Stovall
I think by now, many of you are familiar with the challenge from the Common Ground Alliance: Reduce damages by 50% in the next 5 years. I think we can all agree that a reduction in damages is better for all stakeholders. I know from experience and first-hand conversations with many of you who regularly read this magazine that you are all actively pursuing ways
to improve safety. There are many different ideas on how to accomplish this and we will continue to work alongside you to carry out our mission of damage prevention and public safety.
I believe we can make significant progress toward this challenge by becoming laser-focused on THE 1 THING that is causing the majority of our damages: digging without
notifying the 811 Center.
to supporting our members’ ongoing damage prevention efforts. AND, we will also have a dedicated narrow focus on a Root Cause Reduction.
We will continue our other outreach efforts and we are committed
There is cause for optimism! We know that our industry’s efforts at awareness have been wildly successful. Awareness levels among professional excavators are high. Now it is time for the next step: addressing the remaining reasons for choosing to dig without notifying the 811 center.
I have seen so much progress over the last 19 years I have been in this industry, and I know what we are capable of when we put our minds to it. I am looking forward to accomplishing this goal with our members and all stakeholders and making the state of Texas the safest it has ever been.
Chris Stovall
President and CEO
2023, Issue 4
Texas811 • 1