Be safe and Dig Like Doug!

With construction projects and backyard work still in full swing, contractors and do-it-yourself-ers are being reminded to be safe and Dig Like Doug!

“Doug is a fun way to get a serious message out to the public. His catchphrase — ‘No line locate? No diggity.’ — is what we want people to think before they start any project involving ground disturbance,” says Jessica Singh with SaskEnergy’s Business Communications team.

Led by SaskEnergy, in collaboration with SaskPower, SaskTel and Sask 1st Call, Dig Safe messages are a creative way to share important information about working safely around buried infrastructure throughout the province.

Safe digging practices include having utility lines located prior to digging, daylighting the lines when needed, and having a safe work plan in place.

Doug may seem like just a cute and cuddly spokescritter reminding you to dig safe, but his message is no joke.

“Working safely around buried lines is about more than just reducing damage to utility infrastructure, it’s about making sure that everyone — whether you’re a homeowner building a fence, a farmer digging a drainage trench, or a contractor building a new home — makes it home safe at the end of each day,” Jessica says. “Hitting a line can delay projects and drive up costs, but it can also have serious consequences for those on site, such as injuries or even fatalities.”

First launched in 2024, the prairie dog quickly became known as Dig Safe Doug and his efforts are focused on educating the digging community on the importance of having underground utility lines located prior to beginning any dig work.

This digging season, Doug is again out and about, sharing his safety message with both homeowners and contractors. Over time, ground cover over buried utilities can be reduced. Doug wants the digging community to remember that even if they have lines located, they need to dig safely, as the lines may be closer to the surface than they think.

So, as we leave the (prairie) dog days of summer behind us, keep your eyes open for Doug on billboards, in online ads and across social media. And remember, if you’re doing any projects or backyard excavation (even if it’s just with a shovel), be smart, stay safe and Dig Like Doug.

For more information on requesting a line locate and how to dig safely around buried infrastructure, head over to Dig Safe Sask!