Iowa: 2011 State Damage Prevention Program

Overview

Main Objective

The IUB will:

1. Foster support and partnership with stakeholders;
2. Support a Damage Prevention Education Program for industry stakeholders; and,
3. Support Public Awareness and Stakeholder Education.

Public Abstract

The IUB will address the following elements:

• Element (2): A process for fostering and ensuring the support and partnership of stakeholders, including excavators, operators, locators, designers, and local government in all phases of the program: The development and implementation of the CGI Iowa Excavation Safety Summit will bring together stakeholders from throughout Iowa, especially those who may not be familiar with CGA best practices and damage prevention initiatives. The CGI Summit will be expanded to two days and the focus will be on educational workshops for the excavators, utility operator's operators and underground utility locators.
• Element (4): Participation by operators, excavators, and other stakeholders in the development and implementation of effective employee training programs to ensure that operators, the one call center, the enforcing agency, and the excavators have partnered to design and implement training for the employees of oeprators, excavators, and locators: The CGI Safety Summit has always had a training component for excavators. CGI wants to continue to develop training opportunities by including an underground locator workshop to provide consistent and updated training for the locators of Iowa. The funding via the grant will enable CGI to offer the workshop at the Summit at no cost to encourage attendance from the smaller utilities and municipalities that otherwise may not participate due to prohibitive budgets.
• Element (5): A process for fostering and ensuring active participation by all stakeholders in public education for damage prevention activities: The IUB is applying for the State Damage Prevention Grant for the purpose of working in partnership with its sub grantee, Common Ground Iowa (CGI), a 501.3(c) regional partner with Common Ground Alliance, to commence a campaign to target Iowa excavation equipment rental companies, continue the educational activities with stakeholders by delivering and expanding the succcessful Iowa Excavation Safety Summit, and initiate a cohesive marketing/public relations campaign with an emphasis on awareness and education.

Relevant Files & Links