Warnings as North-West farmers hit power lines 22 times

New figures show 22 incidents in which farm machinery and agricultural vehicles struck overhead power infrastructure across Lancashire and Cumbria in the past year.

Data released by SP Electricity North West, which operates the region’s electricity network, revealed that half of the incidents occurred in Lancashire, with the remaining cases recorded in Cumbria. 

Although the total was slightly lower than the previous year, the company said contact with overhead lines and electrical assets remains a serious safety risk, with the potential to cause severe injury or death.

See also: Farmers urged to put health and safety first this harvest

The network operator runs annual awareness campaigns aimed at farmers, farmworkers and contractors, encouraging them to identify overhead hazards before starting work.

Paul Killilea, asset and investment director at SP Electricity North West, said: “Contact with overhead lines and electrical assets is preventable, and I again urge all farmers, farmworkers and contractors to look out and look up.”

Devastating consequences

He warned that the consequences of such accidents could be devastating and stressed the importance of carrying out basic safety checks before beginning work.

“When working on a farm, take a few minutes to assess your surroundings, and if you’re working on unfamiliar land make sure you ask about any hazards, so you’re aware before you start work. It could save your life,” said Mr Killilea.

Farm machinery, including combines, sprayers and trailers, can be at risk of coming into contact with overhead power lines, particularly during harvest and silage seasons when larger equipment is in frequent use.