NETWORK DAMAGE SPARKS FARM SAFETY WARNING

16 Jun 2010

‘Look up and look out’ when working close to electricity equipment is the message being sent to Fermanagh farmers this week following two separate incidents of damage to overhead lines in the past week.

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) confirms that the incidents took place near Letterbreen and Newtownbutler and left over a thousand local homes and businesses in the areas without power for a short time. In both incidents, NIE emergency repair teams were able to restore power to the vast majority of customers within three hours.

Fiona McClintock, NIE Customer Relations Manager for the area, said, “We know that this is an extremely busy time of the year for farmers and farm contractors but we would urge them to be extra careful when working close to electricity lines.

“Any equipment coming into contact with overhead power lines is dangerous and puts those driving or handling it at risk. Before you start work do a quick check around the field to identify where electricity lines or stays supporting poles are located. This check should help prevent these type of incidents from occurring and save lives in the long run.”

Additional advice for agricultural workers or contractors can be found at www.niesafety.co.uk . They can also request cab stickers, tax disc holders or safety leaflets by calling 08457 643 643.

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