SP Energy Networks has joined forces with The Digger Girl to share crucial safety tips on avoiding electrical hazards when operating machinery.
The collaboration with plant operator and social media sensation, Amy Underwood, follows a rise in incidents involving underground cable strikes across the UK – with 12 injuries and fatalities in the last year.
With the potential for underground cable strikes to result in power outages, property damage or even severe injury or death, the safety messages produced with The Digger Girl are designed to ensure people know what to look out for and what to do to keep themselves and others safe when working near the electricity network.
Previously named as one of the UK’s top 100 women in construction by the National Federation of Builders, Amy has more than 800,000 followers across her social media channels – which she uses to document her work in the sector, share her expertise, and provide advice about life as a female working in the construction industry.
Amy said, “As operators working in the construction industry, safety is the first thing we should all be thinking about when using machinery. When you add in the potential risks of using that equipment around underground cables or overhead powerlines, it’s even more important – we all deserve to go home at the end of the working day.
“That’s why this content with SP Energy Networks is so important for people to see, and I’m proud to be part of these efforts to support a safer work site for operators like me. If I had one bit of advice, it would be to make sure you follow these easy safety tips at all times when on site – they really could save your life!”
Amy’s top tips for staying safe near underground cables and overhead power lines are:
- Always assume cables are live.
- Never dig when you don’t know what is in the ground. Before you dig, use cable locators (CAT) and request cable plans from SP Energy Networks or your local network provider.
- Always wear appropriate PPEfor excavation work and safe digging techniques near known underground cables (i.e. hand dig).
- Always Look out. Look up! before starting work. Take the time to look for any overhead power lines or electrical installations.
- Know the size of your equipment and do not operate if this breaches safety distances to overhead cables.
- Plan your work in advance and request cable plans from SP Energy Networks or your local network provider. Identify any potential hazards and make a strategy to avoid them. Request a GS6 survey if you are unsure of the overhead line height.
- Stay informed on any changes or maintenance work being carried out by SP Energy Networks that might affect your working area.
- Get trained on working safely around electricity, understanding the risks and how to mitigate them is crucial for your safety. Explore training support options with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Lantra and Energy Networks Association (ENA).
- Have the national 105 electrical emergency helpline numberclose to hand and report any damage to underground cables or electrical equipment immediately. If anyone is injured, call 999 immediately for medical attention.
Derek Bell, health and safety director at SP Energy Networks, said, “It’s fantastic to have ‘The Digger Girl’ on board to help share SP Energy Networks’ vital messages about recognising potential electrical hazards and how to stay safe while working near the electricity network. We know that many people working in the construction industry will routinely follow this advice, but evidence shows that’s not always the case and one injury – or worse – is one too many when there are lots of ways to keep ourselves safe.
“I’ve no doubt Amy’s reputation as a trusted and respected voice in the industry combined with her brilliant storytelling style will ensure we reach as many people as possible – it really is the perfect way to help boost industry safety.”
