Build Scotland Construction Directory
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Share this page
Construction News
05/12/2022

Construction Workers Urged To 'Plan Ahead, Look Around'

Construction News Image
SP Energy Networks (SP) are urging construction workers to be careful onsite and 'Plan Ahead, Look Around' after over 70 serious electrical incidents were reported in the last year.

Latest figures from across the area SP operate in show that 74 reports were submitted to their health and safety team relating to accidents on construction sites alone.

The number of incidents highlights the risks for workers on sites, with an average of five people tragically dying each year across the UK due to accidental contact with underground or overhead electrical lines.

Use of heavy-duty machinery and vehicles mean that construction workers are often in close contact with power lines, which can be easily forgotten about among busy daily schedules and operations.

It is essential to plan ahead to avoid the risk of vehicles either driving into power lines or tippers coming into contact with overhead lines.

SP's safety campaign is being backed by leading construction organisations including the Home Builders Federation, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and Homes for Scotland, who are encouraging members and construction workers to follow the safety advice on offer.

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

SP Energy Networks Health & Safety Director Derek Bell, said: "Work on construction sites can be very fast paced so it's incredibly important that workers are aware of electrical hazards on site before any activity starts.

"By planning ahead and ensuring teams are aware of electrical hazards, it helps minimise the risk of accidents, which can often occur due to workers striking power lines they're unaware of.

"Our campaign aims to raise awareness of electrical risks and share free safety advice that can help prevent accidents."

• Carry out a risk assessment in accordance with HSE Guidance Note HS (G) 47, 'Avoiding Danger from Underground Services' and GS6 'Avoiding danger from overhead power lines'.

Ensure you have up-to-date plans of underground services in the area – SP Energy Networks can supply these if you don't have them.

• Include the 105 electrical emergency hotline on your site plans and in your list of telephone contacts; workers can also save it in their mobiles.

• Always scan the area you intend to excavate using a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) and Genny.

• 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.

Kieran Walker, Technical Director at Home Builders Federation, said: "Electrical hazards can pose a serious risk for our network of home builders if the correct processes are not followed. We urge our members to remain cautious when operating near power lines and to follow the advice provided by SP Energy Networks to avoid future incidents."

Ed Evans, Director of CECA Wales, said: "Our civil engineering workers operate in difficult and dangerous environments and their safety is our top priority. We would urge them to take on board this important advice from SP Energy Networks alongside their own rigorous procedures"

Jane Wood, Chief Executive at Homes for Scotland, said: "As ongoing supporters of this campaign, the guidance highlighted continues to be a very useful resource to support our members. By collaborating to raise awareness about electrical risks and the ways to avoid them, we can help to save lives."

Latest Construction News

22/11/2024

SP Energy Networks has announced a major investment in Britain's electricity grid, selecting 19 preferred partners to deliver a £5.4bn supply chain programme. This significant initiative aims to meet increasing energy demand and facilitate future growth. The selected companies, many of which are ...
22/11/2024

Edinburgh City Council has launched a 12-week public consultation on a new strategy to revitalise Princes Street and the wider Waverley Valley. The vision aims to create a more vibrant and welcoming city centre, attracting investment, supporting businesses, and enhancing the visitor ...
22/11/2024

Ener-G Services Limited, a leading UK electrical engineering company specialising in renewables, marine, and offshore sectors, has expanded its operations in Westhill, Aberdeenshire. The company has leased Unit 6E at Kingshill Commercial Park, a 2,500 sq ft space, on a 5-year lease. This new ...
22/11/2024

A consortium of leading scientists, industry experts, and academic institutions has joined forces to accelerate Scotland's offshore wind sector. The £2.5 million project, led by the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with the University of Dundee and the Forth and Tay Offshore cluster (FTO), ...
22/11/2024

The Port of Aberdeen and Turner & Townsend were highly commended in the 'Engineering, Construction & Infrastructure Project of the Year' category at the APM Project Management Awards 2024. The award recognises excellence in project management and the positive impact on end-users. The £420 million ...
22/11/2024

South Lanarkshire Council's £10 million fire safety improvement programme has reached a significant milestone, with CCG (Scotland) completing installations in over 1,700 high-rise residences across East Kilbride and Cambuslang. The Glasgow-based construction firm has been working closely with the ...
22/11/2024

SSEN Transmission, a key player in the UK's energy transition, is set to further expand its workforce and move into a new, sustainable office space in Glasgow. The company's commitment to net zero and the increasing demand for green energy workers has led to significant growth, with the number of ...
22/11/2024

Scottish Water is investing in the upgrade of its Loch Eck clean water plant in Dunoon. The project involves replacing outdated dry well pumps with new, more reliable pumps capable of operating in both wet and dry conditions. WGM Engineering, an RSK Group company, has been tasked with carrying out ...
22/11/2024

Scottish Land & Estates has expressed serious concerns over the Scottish Government's Land Reform Bill, particularly the provisions that would allow ministers to force landowners to sell large estates in lots. Sarah-Jane Laing, the organisation's chief executive, stated that while the land-based ...
22/11/2024

Clark Contracts employees have once again shown their commitment to community engagement by volunteering at Silverburn Park in Leven. On Thursday, 21st November, 16 members of the team spent their day planting over 400 trees and carrying out other landscaping tasks. This latest volunteering effort ...
Morris & Spottiswood LtdRBT Underfloor LimitedPerfect View Aerial FilmingBurnside Plant Hire LtdSips Eco Panel Systems LtdM K M Building Supplies LtdAlternative Tying Systems LtdContainexPerthshire Joinery LtdK A Tree Surgery
Terms and Conditions
2024/11/23 08:56:07