AHEAD of what is always an incredibly busy time of year in the agricultural calendar, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution is issuing a warning.

Power company bosses are giving farmers the heads-up to always check for overhead power lines with this year’s ‘Look out, look up, look after yourself’ safety drive.

In the last 12 months, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution has seen a further reduction in the number of non-injury events in farms and fields across its network in central southern England and the north of Scotland, with 853 in 2021, compared to 865 in 2020 and 910 in 2019. While these figures are trending in the right direction, SSEN is keen to reach as many farmers and agricultural contractors as possible and bring this number down even further.

It has the following advice to help famers stay safe when working near the electricity network:

Before you head out on the farm, always check for power lines above you – ‘Look out, look up, look after yourself’.

If your farm machinery hits a power line: stay in the cab if safe, call 105 and wait for help.

Never touch an overhead line and don’t assume it’s dead – always assume it’s live unless, or until, the owner of the line has confirmed that it’s dead.

When machinery is in contact with an overhead line, anyone who touches both the machinery and the ground can be electrocuted. Stay in the machinery and lower raised parts in contact with the line or drive the machinery out of the line if you can.

If you need to get out, to call for help or because of fire, don’t climb out in the usual way – jump out as far as possible, without touching the line or the machinery, and don’t touch any part of the machinery when on the ground.

Call 105 and ask us to disconnect the supply. Even if the line appears dead, don’t touch it as automatic switching may reconnect the power.

Peter Vujanic, head of safety for SSEN Distribution, said: “Our latest campaign, ‘Look out, look up, look after yourself’ – is all about giving farmers a quick heads up which could save lives and prevent life-changing injuries.

“We’re proud to describe this campaign as ‘informed by farmers, for farmers’, as our work with the agricultural community throughout the year has really helped to shape the way our campaign is being rolled out.”