When the rains are coming sowing season can often get a bit hectic but farmers are reminded to continue to think about safety first.
Farmers and machinery operators need to be aware and consider the electricity network safety on their property prior to under- taking work.
Regional manager Northern, Mark Summers, said Essential Energy was trying to avoid a repeat of last year’s spike in statewide incidents involving tractors and cotton module makers contacting the network.
“The safety of our farmers, their workers and our electricity network are our top priority,” Mark said.
Reducing the risk of fatalities or injury of agricultural workers is a high priority this year.
“We are spreading the message to improve planning of activities which may reduce the risks to agricultural workers. Mapping out safe traffic paths and monitoring machinery movements around powerlines and poles can help avoid costly network incidents, unnecessary power outages and damage to electrical infrastructure,” Mark said.
If machinery does contact overhead powerlines, operators are advised to stay in the cabin of their vehicle and contact Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80.
“Bystanders should always remain at least eight metres away and treat powerlines as if they are ‘live’,” Mark said.
Property owners can also access maps of Essential Energy’s overhead electricity network by calling 13 23 91 or visiting essentialenergy.com.au/overhead.