News Releases

A leading power company is advising farmers, landowners and the public to always think safe and stay safe, by being aware of electricity equipment when working or undertaking activities outdoors.

In a new safety initiative, Western Power Distribution (WPD), which owns and maintains the electricity network of overhead lines, pylons and substations across the Midlands, South West England and South Wales, is highlighting the need for care to landowners and land users – especially when starting any work or activity which may be close to electrical equipment.

Unfortunately every year across the UK, around twenty people are killed and hundreds more injured as a result of coming into contact with overhead lines and underground cables.
“There is no higher priority at WPD than the safety of our staff, contractors and the public who could be affected by our equipment or our work,” said Lee Wallace, WPD’s Safety and Training Manager. 

“We want to remind people of the dangers that surround them – to always look up and look out for overhead lines and to dial before you dig if you are excavating near underground cables and you need our advice.”

WPD has produced a series of handy posters, and leaflets that can be viewed and downloaded online at www.westernpower.co.uk

Their safety message about the dangers from overhead lines also extends to anyone engaged in outdoor activities like fishing, kite flying and camping. 

Simple rules for electricity safety include:

• Treat all overhead lines as live and dangerous and look up and look out when near overhead lines or pylons.
• Ensure all work involving mechanical plant remains well away from overhead lines and underground cables.
• Don’t start an excavation until you have checked that there are no electricity cables nearby.
• If you are unsure and need advice please call your local distribution company, like Western Power Distribution. 

You can find out who your electricity distribution company is by visiting www.westernpower.co.uk.