Harvest preview
Safety initiative targets farmers ahead of harvest
• Campaign aims to reduce death toll • Farmers among groups most at risk • Check height of machines and lines
A
new safety campaign aims to stop farmers and farm work- ers from electrocuting them-
selves on overhead power lines. Farmers are among four groups of workers with the highest number of safety incidents involving overhead power lines during the past five years. The others are road hauliers, tree sur- geons and builders.
Some 18% overhead line incidents during 2020 involved farmers, accord- ing to electricity distributor UK Pow- er Networks. It said a further 44% in- volved road hauliers, 16% involved tree surgeons and 12% small or self-em- ployed builders. To help reduce the number of acci-
dents, a new ‘Think, Plan, Locate’ in- itiative will see UK Power Networks join forces with the NFU and the Na- tional Road Haulage Association for a new safety campaign.
Moving vehicles With harvest approaching and the si- lage season under way, safe working procedures to reduce accident risks near power lines are essential. These
include when moving, loading and un- loading vehicles which could come into contact with electrical equipment. UK Power Networks safety advisor
Ros Forbes said: “Safety is our number one priority and we saw a rise in in- cidents when locked down eased last summer, so it’s timely to remind peo- ple again of the dangers.” Ms Forbes added: “Our research has shown us the trades and professions most in danger and we sense that a fo- cus on being Covid-secure, has led to less of an emphasis on electrical safe- ty in some areas.” Touching high voltage cables could
be fatal, said Ms Forbes. Accidental contact with live overhead power lines causing many serious injuries.
Reducing risk
The new campaign will remind people to take care and concentrate on their safety. The goal is to prompt collabo- rative working and positive conversa- tions about safety which will ultimate- ly help save lives.
NFU farm safety advisor Tom Price said: “Almost all contact incidents can
Farmers are among those most likely to come into contact with overhead lines. [Photo credit: UK Power Networks]
Almost all contact incidents can be avoided altogether
“ N
be avoided altogether – the key is plan- ning. Find out where power lines are and make sure everyone knows – work- ers and contractors.” Farmers should also make sure they know the height and reach of their ma- chines – and the height of lines. This is especially so when bringing new, large or unfamiliar machinery on to the farm, said Mr Price.
“If you suspect lines are low contact
UK Power Networks and ask them to check – the service is free. Our advice is don’t rely on GPS and other tech to avoid lines – you must always be alert when driving any machine near a line.”
Free cab stickers for farm vehicles can be obtained by emailing MBX-HSS-
kit@ukpowernetworks.co.uk
#CornCart21 safety campaign launched
FU deputy president Stuart Rob- erts is supporting a new campaign to encourage trailer safety during
the main harvest towing season. The #CornCart21 initiative highlights the legal requirement to ensure trailers are safe and roadworthy. It follows the launch of the #HeadToTow trailer safety app, which is free to download on Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. The app is an easy way to access trailer
maintenance checklists and operator man- ual. It was launched by the Tilly Pass trail- er safety scheme last year. Mr Roberts said: “I want us all to think more about what we are towing. You can download free of charge a range of trailer manuals and – most importantly – their recommended daily checks.” Everyone should download the app, add- ed Mr Roberts. Most importantly of all, they should make time each day to carry out their
daily checks as recommended by the trail- er manufacturers. Tilly Pass founder Jane Gurney said: “More UK trailer manufacturers are looking to promote the need for trailer safety. There has been a huge uptake by operators look- ing to safeguard themselves while towing..”
The #HeadToTow app is available to down- load free on smartphones and tablets by vis- iting
www.tillypass.co.uk
JUNE 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 35
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