Builders were involved in the highest number of cable damage incidents over the past year.
That is according to UK Power Networks, which distributes electricity to 8.4 million homes in London, the South East and East.
UK Power Networks found that builders were responsible for 23% of incidents where members of the public came into contact with electricity cables. That was more than any other trade.
Plan ahead
The company has stressed the importance of pre-planning, by requesting cable plans in advance. It also recommends avoiding working too closely to live services.
One area of concern is private builders carrying out work such as small house builds or extensions, laying driveways and excavation work.
Workers could also be at risk when carrying out work using diggers, lifting equipment, ladders, pneumatic drills and hand tools.
Ros Forbes, a safety advisor at UK Power Networks, said: “You can be at risk when using diggers, spades, hammer drills, lifting equipment, ladders and power tools. So everybody needs to take the time to plan ahead. It is never worth risking your life to try and save a bit of time.”
Cable plans are available before starting any work via the UK Power Networks website www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk or www.lsbud.co.uk. Any emergency incident or damaged cable can be reported by dialing 105.
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there is some slightly misleading information here from UK Power Networks. The article states, ‘One area of concern is private builders carrying out work such as small house builds or extensions, laying driveways and excavation work.’
It is frequently found that UK Power Networks do not have cable plans of lateral services into properties or street lamps.