Farmers are being urged to prioritise safety by the North West’s power network operator.  

The safety calls are being made by Electricity North West after statistics revealed by the firm confirmed 19 separate incidents occurred on its power network, with the possibility of more going unreported.  

Ten incidents were recorded in Lancashire, seven in Cumbria and two in the Peak District with machinery coming into contact with wood poles and overhead lines the most common incidents.  

As well as posing significant safety risks, many of the incidents have also led to power cuts in the local areas while engineers make the area safe.  

Now, to mark Farm Safety Week, the firm is urging farmers to make safety a number one priority by looking out, looking up and not dicing with death around powerful electrical equipment. 

Paul Killilea, asset and investment director and who oversees safety for Electricity North West, said: “Safety is our number one priority across the network, and we are asking all farmers and their contractors to remain vigilant of the hazards of working near the power network, it could save their lives. 

“We’ve seen 19 safety incidents on the network in the last 12 months and typically, we do see a rise around the harvest time. If it’s your land, it’s your responsibility to make sure anyone working on it knows of any overhead lines or equipment that should be avoided. 

“The electricity network is both overhead and underground and covers thousands of miles across the region. Our one message for Farm Safety Week is to look out and look up.” 

Now in its thirteenth year, Farm Safety Week is an initiative organised by the Farm Safety Foundation which brings attention to the number of serious incidents and fatal injuries in the industry and highlight what is being done. 

If equipment collides with overhead lines, people should: 

• Stay in the cab 

• Call 105  (999 in an emergency) 

• Try to drive clear 

• Warn others to stay clear 

• If you need to get out, jump well clear (the vehicle may be live) 

• Move away using leaping strides 

• Do not return to the vehicle 

 To find out more go to www.enwl.co.uk/safety.