'Cut with Care' is the autumn message from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), the electricity network company, as it launches a new safety campaign this week to raise awareness of the dangers of felling trees and cutting hedges close to the electricity network.

The campaign is part of NIE's ongoing public safety programme and follows a recent spate of incidents where overhead electricity lines and poles have been damaged when vegetation was being cut. The autumn months provide an opportunity for farmers to cut back hedges and trees before the nesting season in the spring.

Kevin McDowell, NIE Health, Safety and Environment Manager, hopes the campaign will encourage everyone planning tree or hedge cutting work near the electricity network to follow some simple safety precautions.

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"We continually highlight the risks involved when working in the vicinity of the electricity network, but every year people put themselves at risk because they do not follow the correct safety guidelines. Any contact with live electricity equipment may result in injury, or even death. We ask anyone considering this type of work to consult with NIE prior to work starting.

"This type of damage to the electricity network may also cause local communities to lose their electricity supplies, inconveniencing homes, schools and businesses in the area."

Mr McDowell added: "We know this is a busy time of the year for farmers and agricultural contractors as they tidy up trees and hedgerows, but carrying out a basic risk assessment before starting work could mean the difference between life and death. Accidents don't just happen during felling and cutting back. Take care when using any kind of elevated platforms, large vehicles and machinery, and also when moving any ladders or long materials.

"It's time for everyone working near electricity equipment to put safety first, every time. Our message is clear - look up, look out and stay away from overhead lines."

(MH/JP)