Safety plea issued across the North West to mark Farm Safety Week
Safety plea issued across the North West to mark Farm Safety Week
The North West’s power network operator is marking Farm Safety Week (16th-20th July) by urging farmers to ‘look out and look up’ and not dice with death by staying safe around overhead power lines.
12 incidents involving overhead power lines on farms have been reported in the North West in the past two years, including one fatality. The network operator fears that many more may go unreported.
Recent research carried out by Electricity North West and other electricity network operators across the country shows that despite potentially fatal consequences, over 85% of people in the UK never worry about getting too close to an overhead power line.
In its sixth year, Farm Safety Week is an initiative lead by the Farm Safety Foundation and supported by the Farm Safety Partnerships and the Health and Safety Executive.
Mark Mercer, head of health and safety and environment for Electricity North West, said: “Farm Safety Week is a great opportunity to remind farmers and everyone working near or on farms to stay safe by staying away from overhead power lines.
“The electricity network includes thousands of miles of overhead power lines providing power to more than five million people across the North West which is why it’s vital that we urge famers to ‘look out and look up’ and stay safe. Businesses and contractors who need to work near an overhead line must work safely and manage the risks.
“Just last week we had a call from someone who had collided with an 11,000 volt live overhead line with a tipper truck. Thankfully they remained unharmed, but it was a very serious incident which could have had a very different outcome. It’s a stark reminder of the very real dangers that are present near our overhead lines every day.”
Phil Latham, Cheshire County Chairman and farm safety campaigner for National Farmers Union, said: “Every year there are incidents involving power lines on farms – all of which are totally avoidable.
“My advice to my fellow farmers in the region is firstly make sure everyone knows where the lines crossing your land are. This means the farmer, their staff and visitors – especially delivery drivers and harvest staff. Don’t stack under or near lines. Lastly check the height of lines on your land. If there is a problem and they are too low get in touch with Electricity North West and get the problem solved.”
To find out more crucial advice watch the ‘Look Out Look Up’ video, visit the Farm Safety Foundation or read the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance.