Farmers in NSW are being reminded to Look Up and Live when working around powerlines and other electrical assets on their properties. After several incidents of contact with electrical infrastructure this year across the Essential Energy footprint involving farm-related activities or equipment, Northern regional manager Mark Summers said they want farmers and their workers to return home safely to their families each day.
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“Essential Energy operates across 95 per cent of NSW with customers in regional and rural communities and many either work for, or are affected by, agricultural industry activities,” he said.
There have been several incidents of contact with electrical infrastructure this year across the Essential Energy footprint involving farm-related activities or equipment, including farm machinery hitting power poles on properties, harvesting equipment contacting powerlines and more.
Other examples include damaging electrical infrastructure; and high-loads being driven into electrical network assets and causing power outages.
“We remind farmers to Look up and Live when working around powerlines and other electrical assets on their properties,” Mark said. “Being aware of the location of power poles and wires when working on the farm is one of the most important steps in keeping everyone safe.”
Property owners are advised to identify and mark overhead powerlines at ground level to increase their visibility for farm workers.
“Essential Energy can install powerline markers to improve powerline visibility for those transporting high loads or operating farm machinery or equipment, and provide electricity network maps showing the location of wires on a property.”
For more information about electrical safety, visit: www.essentialenergy.com.au/agribusiness for fact sheets, safety stickers and videos to assist workers to work safely near overhead powerlines.
Customers can also enquire about powerline markers by completing the online form available at www.essentialenergy.com.au/overhead.
If machinery does contact overhead powerlines or power poles, stay in the vehicle if it is safe to do so and call Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80.
Bystanders should remain at least eight metres away from the vehicle or anything in contact with it and call emergency services (000) if the situation is life-threatening.