Ohio Utilities Protection Service, dba OHIO811, is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit public safety organization that serves as the established underground utility protection service for Ohio. Founded in 1972, OHIO811 serves as a critical link between excavators and utility owners, processing over 1.7 million excavation notifications annually and directing more than 10 million utility locate requests to over 1,700 Members. As a local, state, and national leader in underground damage prevention, OHIO811 is dedicated to protecting Ohio’s residents, the environment, and the vital utility infrastructure through its free, accessible service, as outlined in Ohio Revised Code Chapters 3781, 4913, and 153.

OHIO811 drives innovation and accessibility in damage prevention by pioneering advancements like the first U.S. One-Call Center website in 1996, multilingual services in the early 2000s, remote ticket entry systems (i-dig in 2000, e-dig in 2009), and a mobile app in 2013. Its robust outreach and education programs promote safe digging through annual safety presentations, seminars, and events, including Safety Talks for Career and Technical Schools, the Sammy Shovel program for primary schools, and an interactive educational trailer introduced in 2019. OHIO811’s legislative leadership helped form the Ohio Underground Damage Prevention Coalition in 2011, contributing to key laws like House Bill 458 (2013) for Universal Marking Standards, Senate Bill 378 (2015) for enhanced accountability, and HB 227 for strengthened excavation safety standards.

With a modern facility in North Jackson, Mahoning County, and resources across Ohio’s 88 counties, OHIO811 fosters a shared responsibility for damage prevention, guided by its Executive Director, Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees. For over 50 years, OHIO811 has remained a trusted leader and subject matter expert, promoting safe excavation and protecting Ohio’s underground infrastructure.