ELECTRICAL INCIDENTS AMONG AGRICULTURAL WORKERS IN SCOTLAND DOUBLED IN THE LAST THREE YEARS
-SP Energy Networks to share electricity safety advice at The Royal Highland Show
The number of electricity-related incidents among Scotland’s agricultural community have more than doubled in the past two years, with 37 recorded in 2018 compared to 16 in 2016 – a worrying increase of 131%.
As farming machinery gets bigger, the danger of agricultural workers coming into contact with live electricity through their machinery has increased also. Electrical hazards can include anything from farm equipment being too close to power lines, to live cables being pulled to the ground.
To raise awareness of the dangers, SP Energy Networks will be attending this year’s Royal Highland Show to share tips with farmers and other agricultural workers on ways to stay safe when working near live electricity. The electricity network operator for Central and Southern Scotland will be at the show from Thursday 20 until Sunday 23 June to answer questions on how to stay safe when around overhead power lines or cables that may be hidden underground.
There will also be a range of activities for visitors to enjoy including an overhead line display demonstration that will take place at the SP Energy Networks stand every half hour. On Thursday, SP Energy Networks will hold a dedicated workshop to re-launch their ‘Land Code of Conduct’ that will be held within the Scottish Association of Young Farmers building at 13:30, to engage with the many land owners, and those representing their interests, who provide access to their land for operation and maintenance of electrical equipment.
On Saturday morning, stars from the Scotland Rugby team will also be at the stand with the Calcutta Cup for photo opportunities and provide an opportunity for visitors to win a signed Scotland Rugby shirt.
Craig Arthur, SP Distribution Director, said: “We are committed to supporting our rural communities in Central and Southern Scotland and the Royal Highland Show gives us a brilliant opportunity to get out into the community and share important
safety advice, especially when safety figures show there has been a significant
increase in electrical incidents in the agricultural industry in Scotland.
“In the event of a power line falling on your land, we would advise taking extreme caution. Power lines can remain live, even if they appear unaffected, so it’s essential to keep people and livestock away then contact SP Energy Networks by calling the 105 number or the Emergency Services.”
SP Energy Networks owns and manages overhead and underground powerlines in Central and Southern Scotland as well as Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and North Shropshire. For more information about SP Energy Networks and its services, visit: spenergynetworks.co.uk
In the event of a power outage or incident, please contact the SP Energy Networks
emergency hotline by calling 105 or 0800 092 9290.
