ELECTRICITY chiefs have urged farmers to take extreme care around overhead power lines after a spate of potentially fatal accidents.

Since the onset of the harvest season, six incidents have been reported to Northern Powergrid involving tractors, trucks or other farm machinery striking cables or poles.

Northern Powergrid manages 29,000 kilometres of overhead power line across the North-East, Yorkshire and north Lincolnshire.

Geoff Earl, director of safety, health and environment, said: “Overhead cables on wood poles can be carrying anything up to 132,000 volts, so we advise farmers at this very busy time to remind their staff to always be aware of where these power lines are and to know the dangers.

“Accidentally hitting these cables could prove lethal. It’s easy to misjudge heights and distances, especially when tired or operating in poor light such as at dusk or dawn.

“Electricity can jump gaps so even getting too close to lines can be dangerous. Many objects can also conduct electricity such as trees, string, rope and water.”

Northern Powergrid recommends farmers carry out risk assessments on land prior to carrying out work.

Further safety advice is available on 0845 070 7172.