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.
Praise for Lancaster and Morecambe youngsters who took part in 'tongue movement' project
Clinic where students offer free legal advice to reopen at Lancaster University
Lines reopen after train derailment on Scotland-London line
Police arrest two and seize illegal bike in Morecambe
ITV commissions sixth series of Morecambe crime drama The Bay
E-bike shop moves from Lancaster to new Carnforth showroom
Lancaster workshop to tackle the issue of drink and needle spiking
Morecambe raw feeds shop up for three 'Animal Star' awards
Two new festivals proposed for Morecambe entertainment venue the Platform
Second day of disruption as work continues after train derails in Cumbria
Morecambe lifeboat crew’s swift response rescues swimmer ‘being swept dangerously out to sea’
'Street Meets' announced to answer your questions amid new wheelie bin roll-out
Campaign group welcomes new "life changing" bus service to Morecambe
Lancaster prison worker jailed for drug offences
Major disruption as train derails on West Coast Main Line
Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"
Halloween What's On Guide
LISTEN: Launch of new group in Morecambe to help with gambling addiction
LISTEN: New centre for people with disabilities to open in historic Lancaster location
