In the video above, Georgia 811 spokesperson Cliff Meidl shared his amazing story and the importance of calling before you dig on Atlanta and Company on WXIA 11 Alive on Friday, March 15, 2013. You can also view the safety video he filmed with Georgia 811 here: Georgia 811 PSAs

“On November 19th, 1986, it was a chilly

morning and a typical workday for me…”

And so began the day that would change Cliff Meidl’s

life forever, the day he nearly lost his life on an

excavation site. Cliff’s story of recovery and

perseverance following his tragic accident is truly

inspiring, from simply learning to walk again, to

beating the odds and making the U.S. Olympic Team

– twice. It is an important reminder to us all, that

accidents can happen to anyone.

Dedication to the goal of safe digging is a shared

responsibility… between the excavator, the locator, the

facility operators, and the 811 communication

centers that connect them. A handful of simple steps

can help make your excavation site accident-free, and

ensure public safety and the safety of your crew.

Because safe digging is often as simple as knowing

what’s below.

Be a Hero. Respect the Flags.