Power lines a danger on farms

Contact with powerlines can be deadly and a new campaign is aiming to raise awareness of the need for extra precaution on farms.

Powerco have recently launched their 'Farm Power Line Safety' campaign in Manawatu. Fronted by Federated Farmers chairman Andrew Hoggard, the initiative is putting the spotlight on the dangers associated with live wires.

Mr Hoggard owns a 300 ha farm in Kiwitea and said he supported the project because health and safety on farms was an important focus right now.

"Safety around power lines should be a simple one - if you are doing work around them, you certainly don't want to hit them. Contact with power lines can be extremely dangerous or fatal."

A safety video has also been uploaded to YouTube with Mr Hoggard fronting up to the issue.

Powerco group health safety environment and quality manager Julie McAvoy says overhead power lines are prevalent in rural communities.

"Safety is a top priority for Powerco and it is important to educate farmers. Complacency around power lines can kill."

She said farmers didn't need to touch a power line to receive a shock.

"Even close contact can cause serious injury or death to you and others near you."

Large harvesting is popular at this time of the year, making this message all the more important she said.

Dairy NZ states farmers using large machinery near power lines should ensure they know the line's minimum height as well as the machine's maximum reach. It also states farms should have a map detailing where power lines are present, which should be distributed to workers and visitors to the farm.

Powerco also suggests farmers be aware at all times of where overhead power lines are, keep themselves, workers and machinery at least four metres away from lines and plan a route before using machinery that avoids contact.

They also suggest treating power lines as live at all times - even downed lines.

To view the safety video visit www.youtube.com/powercoNZ1. Mr Hoggard will also be at Central District Field Days along with the Powerco stand.