An urgent safety message has been issued by Electricity North West aimed at farmers across the North Lancashire and Morecambe Bay area.
Statistics revealed by the power network operator show that in the last 12 months, 24 separate safety incidents have occurred, with many more expected to go unreported.
Almost every incident involved machinery coming into contact with the power network which led to either spans of line coming down or snapped wood poles.
As well as posing significant safety risks, many of the incidents caused power cuts in the local areas and more than £200,000 worth of damage.
Paul Killilea, Electricity North West’s asset and investment director, said: “Safety is our number one priority, and we urge farmers to remain vigilant to the hazards in their work area – it could save their lives.
“We’ve seen a lot of incidents on the network in the last 12 months and particularly in the last three months where 14 safety incidents happened.
“Thankfully, despite all the incidents, there haven’t been any injuries, but it doesn’t reflect how serious each incident is.
“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 twelfth 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.


Morecambe rogue roofer jailed after scamming elderly residents out of thousands of pounds
Rallying cry as crunch meeting looms on 'Bolton-le-Slyne' housing plans
Work continues on new McDonald's restaurant in Morecambe
Three fire engines called out to fire in Lancaster
Lancaster youth charity launches 10 Challenges campaign
£30k campaign launched for new Lancaster community farm
Carnforth chiropodist honours her late husband with clinic fundraiser
Lancaster City Council agrees 2.99 per cent rise in Council tax share
Lancashire Police’s share of Council tax to rise by 5.4 per cent
Guys Thatched Hamlet closes suddenly after 46 years
Teenager spared jail for causing death of newborn child in Morecambe
Morecambe Town Council agrees budget and 2.46 per cent rise in Council tax share
Builders of new Lancaster housing development offer £2k cash pot to community groups
Lancaster centre welcomes mayor for opening of new community kitchen
Lancaster shop to close as high street gaming chain faces administration
Jim Bentley returns for second spell as Morecambe FC manager
Ashvir Singh Johal’s reign as Morecambe manager comes to an end
Lancaster writer's ghost story of Morecambe to be voiced by acting legend on Radio 4
Change of name announced for popular Morecambe bar
Opening announced for new Morecambe bistro inside former post office

