As grain harvest begins across the cropping districts of NSW, machinery operators need to remain vigilant when working near overhead powerlines and power poles. Regional manager Essential Energy, Mark Summers, said harvest machinery should be kept at least 3m clear from the electricity network to ensure the safety of agricultural workers.
“Last season there were numerous incidents of machinery contact with the network resulting in significant costs to individuals, loss of production, damage to power infrastructure and inconvenience to the wider community due to loss of supply.” Maps of Essential Energy’s overhead electricity network are available by calling 13 23 91 or visiting essentialenergy.com.au/overhead. “If your machinery does contact the electricity network, stay in the cabin and call 13 20 80,” Mark said. “Bystanders should always remain at least 8m away and treat powerlines as if they are live.”
To report an incident call 13 20 80 or Triple-0 (000) if the situation is life-threatening.