SP Energy Networks has partnered with UK homebuilding trade associations - HomeBuilders Federation, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), and Homes for Scotland - to launch the initiative to encourage the construction industry to follow strict safety guidelines and reduce the number of electrical incidents.
most common accidents
Reports reveal that to date in 2020 there have been 51 safety incidents on construction sites and around five people die each year, due to accidental contact with overhead power lines.
The use of building machinery and equipment can often bring workers close to these lines - the most common accidents involve a vehicle being driven into power lines or part of a vehicle being raised into them.
electrical safety campaign
Workers can reduce serious injuries by staying aware of both overhead and underground power lines
Accidents are also often caused by the striking of buried power lines during excavation work. Construction workers can reduce deaths and serious injuries by staying aware of both overhead and underground power lines.
The campaign has been backed by major housebuilders and construction companies, such as Taylor Wimpey, who are promoting electrical safety information to their teams as part of ongoing rigorous health and safety training and planning.
aware of electrical hazards
Frank Monaghan, Health and Safety Director at SP Energy Networks, said, "The construction industry has resumed work across the country and must carefully adhere to the new COVID-19 safety restrictions."
He adds, "While adjusting to new ways of working, it is still incredibly important for the industry to be aware of electrical hazards on construction sites and the steps that can be taken to avoid accidents."
emergency hotline
Frank Monaghan continues, "Construction sites can be hazardous environments and ensuring the safety of people working on them is paramount. Businesses can prevent incidents by planning, looking around, and following guidelines that can keep workers safe."
He further stated, "We’re working to raise awareness of the electrical risks, sharing tips on how to prevent accidents, and are providing ongoing support through our emergency hotline and online resources."
safety guidelines
- Carry out a risk assessment by HSE Guidance Note HS (G) 47,
- ‘Avoiding Danger from Underground Services’.
- Ensure users have up-to-date plans of underground services in the area - SP Energy Networks can supply these if they don’t have them.
- Include the 105 electrical emergency hotline on the site plans and in the list of telephone contacts; then ask the workers to save it in
their mobiles. - Always scan the area the user intends to excavate using a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT)and Genny.
- If emergency work is being carried out and plans aren’t readily available, excavate carefully as though there are buried live cables.
- Be aware that the actions of third parties could have altered cable depths or positions since the cables were laid.
- Mark cable positions using waterproof road paint or another permanent marker.
SP Energy Networks provides free safety advice for those planning to work near power lines and underground cables.