Farmer prosecuted for failing to warn driver of overhead lines

Overhead power lines

A prosecution was taken against a farmer who saw a driver unloading in an unsafe manner near an overhead power line but failed to warn or stop him. The body of the tipper lorry struck the power cables whilst he was unloading. The driver received an electric shock and fell unconscious, sustaining burns and a broken jaw.

Action

The farmer was prosecuted under Section 3(2) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for failing to take steps to bring a visiting drivers attention to the overhead power line or to provide warning signs. He was fined.

Comment

The farmer should have:

The downloadable guidance Avoiding danger from overhead power lines describes how to work safely near overhead power lines in a range of industries. You can also download a free leaflet called Safe working near overhead power lines in agriculture.

Updated 2023-02-23