Marches Real Food and Farming Convergence: Key to Food Security and Sustainability

Stay Safe, Gloucestershire Farmers: Look Out for Power Lines

Update Farm Safety Week Highlights Critical Power Line Awareness In a proactive step toward enhancing farm safety, National Grid Electricity Distribution has launched an urgent appeal to Gloucestershire farmers to prioritize safety around overhead power lines. Coinciding with Farm Safety Week, which began on July 21, the initiative emphasizes the simple yet crucial mantra: ‘look out, look up’. The campaign aims to reduce the alarming frequency of incidents where farm machinery comes too close to live power lines. With reports indicating at least one such incident occurs every day across the UK, the risks associated with farming equipment—particularly as it grows in size and reach—are significant. Christopher Cleveland, the Head of Safety at National Grid Electricity Distribution, explained the vital importance of maintaining awareness in agricultural settings. Understanding the Dangers Surrounding Power Lines When machinery or vehicles come in contact with overhead power lines, the consequences can be severe, leading not only to serious injuries or fatalities but also causing disruptions in electricity supply. Such disruptions can affect not just individual farms, but also local communities by impacting homes, businesses, and critical services. Cleveland stressed, “We understand the hard work and dedication farmers put into their jobs, and how crucial their equipment is to their success. A moment of awareness can save lives. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone in the farming community to pause and assess their environment before commencing work.” The Role of Community Support in Safety This initiative is part of a broader commitment by National Grid to support local farmers by providing essential knowledge and safety tools. By fostering a community united in safety practices, the hope is to mitigate these risks and create a safer working environment for all. Farmers are urged to partake in discussions and training sessions surrounding this safety message, ensuring that safety becomes an integral part of their daily routines. As Harvest season approaches, it is the responsibility of everyone in the agricultural community to embody this message and prioritize safety, not just for themselves but for their neighbors and the broader community. Every farmer's vigilance in looking out for potential hazards while working near power lines can significantly decrease the risk of accidents. Let’s join together to cultivate a safer farming environment.