Spring is here—and with it comes the hum of construction equipment, the scent of fresh soil, and the flurry of activity that signals the start of construction season. But before you break ground, there's one essential step that could save lives, protect infrastructure, and prevent costly damage: safe digging. Each April, the Common Ground Alliance designates National Safe Digging Month, a nationwide campaign launched in 2007 to raise awareness about the importance of underground utility safety. As temperatures rise and outdoor projects ramp up, now is the perfect time to spotlight the invisible network beneath our feet. Why Safe Digging Matters More Than Ever Did you know that the U.S. is home to over 20 million miles of underground utilities? That’s enough to circle the Earth more than 800 times. Hidden below our feet are power lines, pipelines, telecommunications cables, water mains, and sewer systems—all essential to daily life and public safety. However, their invisibility is precisely what makes them so vulnerable. Each year, more than 400,000 utility strikes occur in the U.S., posing serious risks to public safety, causing service outages, and racking up billions in repair and legal costs. One Call Can Save Lives: Call 8-1-1 Before You Dig Whether you're a homeowner planting a tree or a utility contractor preparing to install primary wire for streetlamps, calling 8-1-1 before you dig is not just smart—it's the law in many states. This free service connects you to local utility companies who will mark the location of buried lines so you can dig safely and confidently. By taking a few simple steps—planning your dig, calling 8-1-1, and waiting for utilities to be marked—you’re helping protect your team, your project timeline, and your community. Don’t Cut Corners, Cut Risk National Safe Digging Month serves as a timely reminder that knowledge is power and prevention is key. As you gear up for spring construction projects, make safety your foundation. Take the time to understand what lies beneath, follow safe digging practices, and always call before you dig. We can help you stay safe! Elk Environmental Services , one of our affiliates, offers a variety of safety training courses. Their OSHA-authorized outreach trainers can help you and your team stay safe and avoid utility damage with our OSHA 10- and 30-hour construction trainings and trenching and excavation training. Contact Jamie Caron today at jamiec@elkenv.com for more information.

As we say goodbye to winter, we reflect on some of the exciting Empire Group affiliate projects. We enjoyed helping our customers achieve their goals. From celebrating an anniversary to transforming learning spaces, there have been a variety of projects and events. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

When it comes to construction, maintenance, or even household tasks, ladders are an essential tool. However, improper use of a ladder can result in serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Ladders come in various shapes and sizes, making it tempting to use the same ladder for multiple purposes. But without proper education and safety awareness, accidents can happen. That’s why National Ladder Safety Month, observed every March, plays a crucial role in reducing ladder-related accidents. What is National Ladder Safety Month? National Ladder Safety Month is a campaign organized by the American Ladder Institute (ALI), aimed at raising awareness about the importance of ladder safety. The initiative strives to reduce the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities through education, resources, and safety guidelines. Whether at home, work, or on construction sites, this month educates individuals on following proper ladder safety practices to prevent accidents. This year, ALI will focus on training and awareness; inspection and maintenance; stabilizations, set-up and accessories; and safe climbing and positioning. Why Ladder Safety Matters Did you know that over 680,000 people worldwide die each year from falls? In the United States alone, more than 160,000 individuals end up in emergency rooms due to ladder-related injuries annually. These statistics are staggering, and the majority of ladder accidents occur due to human error or negligence. From construction workers to DIY enthusiasts, ladder safety should be a top priority for everyone. Common Causes of Ladder Accidents Ladder accidents are often preventable with the right safety precautions. Here are some of the most common causes of ladder-related injuries: Incorrect Ladder Choice : Using the wrong ladder for the task at hand is one of the most common mistakes. Whether it’s the wrong height, type, or weight capacity, choosing the right ladder is crucial to safety. Poor Ladder Setup : A ladder that isn’t placed on stable, level ground or set at the proper angle can easily become unstable and cause a fall. Overreaching : Stretching too far while on a ladder can destabilize it, increasing the risk of a fall. Always ensure your body remains within the ladder's frame to maintain stability. Ignoring Weight Limits : Exceeding the ladder’s weight capacity can cause it to collapse. Always check the weight rating and ensure that it is sufficient for both you and any tools you may be carrying. Neglecting Safety Precautions : Failing to use additional safety gear, such as stabilizers or harnesses, may seem like a time-saver but can significantly increase the risk of injury. The Importance of Ladder Safety Training To prevent accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations, ladder safety training is essential. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ladder safety is governed by Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.23 . This regulation sets the standards for ladder use in various environments, including workplaces, construction sites, and other industrial settings. Having proper training is vital not only to comply with OSHA regulations but also to protect workers from avoidable accidents. Empire Group’s safety team, through its affiliate Elk Environmental Services , offers ladder safety training programs designed to meet these standards. Their courses cover topics such as: Ladder Safety Awareness for Construction Stairways and Ladders for Construction Ladder Safety for General Industry These programs are led by experienced OSHA Outreach Trainers Ed Clemas and Jamie Caron , ensuring that you receive the latest safety practices and guidelines. Elk Environmental Services offers over 40 safety training programs (in-person and online), many of which provide certifications and, in some cases, Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Ladder safety is crucial for preventing accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Whether you're working in construction, maintenance, or even around the house, understanding the proper use of ladders and taking part in National Ladder Safety Month can help prevent unnecessary harm. Make sure you’re choosing the right ladder, setting it up correctly, and following essential safety precautions.

With the start of a new year, businesses reflect on the success they had in the last 12 months. They also take the time to appreciate their customers. At Empire Group, we truly appreciate our customers, and the variety of projects awarded to our affiliates. Below are some project highlights from last year.

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, Empire Group takes a moment to reflect on the year’s successes and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people who make it all possible—our dedicated employees. Their hard work, expertise, and commitment to excellence drive our business forward, and we are thankful for each and every one of them. Honoring Our Employees with Appreciation Events This past year, we celebrated our team’s contributions with several events designed to show how much we value their hard work and dedication. Our employees enjoyed a fun-filled day at Knoebels Amusement Resort, had a blast at our 32nd Annual Empire Group Golf Open, and enjoyed friendly competition at the Annual Fishing Rodeo. These events are just a small token of our appreciation for the passion and effort our employees put into their roles every day. We also had the honor of participating in the 60th Annual King Frost Parade, where our very own DVC team won first place in the Walkers Category. It was a moment of pride for our company, as it highlighted not only our dedication to the community but also the strong spirit of teamwork within our organization. Showcasing Our Unique Projects and Services At Empire Group, we take immense pride in the diverse range of services our affiliates provide across various industries. This year, they had the privilege of working on several standout projects that showcase the talent and expertise of their employees. Here are just a few highlights:

Elk Environmental Services , one of our affiliates, has been busy this fall with lab packing projects, company events, and other updates. Here's a glimpse into what's been happening.

On the chilly evening of Saturday, October 26th, the streets of downtown Hamburg, PA, came alive with the King Frost Parade, an annual tradition that has been captivating locals for over sixty years. With around 20,000 spectators in attendance, this event is more than just a parade—it's a celebration of community and the arrival of fall. This year's parade featured an impressive lineup of vehicles from two of our affiliates: Delaware Valley Contractors (DVC) and Elk Environmental Services (Elk). DVC had three vehicles alongside a mini-excavator and a tractor from Elk. The star of the show was King Frost himself, who was joined by the Phillie Phanatic. The parade boasted five divisions, showcasing 130 floats and five marching bands, all weaving through the heart of Hamburg. The DVC service truck, adorned with cobwebs, balloons, and chains, led the way, with Terry Wentzel at the wheel. The highlight of their float was “Mr. Skellington,” a half-skeleton perched on the roof, making his debut in style. Following closely was the DVC roll-off truck, carrying a mini-excavator that featured mischievous skeletons, driven by Stew Rivers. Nick Olivieri took charge of the Elk tractor, while another DVC service truck, driven by Jason Moffett, rounded out our parade presence. Our walkers, dressed in costumes ranging from Captain Marvel to a skeleton princess, won first place in the Walkers Category! Congratulations! They spread joy by handing out candy to the excited crowd. We had a blast this year and can’t wait until next year's parade! A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event special: Terry Wentzel and family Dominick Wentzel Tommy Wentzel and family Stew Rivers Nick Olivieri Jason Moffett Russ Oswalt Apologies if anyone was missed!

Every fall, employees of Empire Group eagerly anticipate the Annual Fishing Rodeo and Picnic, and this year did not disappoint! Held on Saturday, October 12th, at the picturesque farm of Todd and Karen O’Neill, the event was a resounding success.