
![]() |
Mark Sennett
Managing Editor |
![]() |
Kelly Rose
Editor |
Home> | Managing Health & Safety | >Environmental Monitoring | >Underground cables safety alert |
Underground cables safety alert
15 June 2020
HSENI HAS seen an increase in the number of incidents involving damage to the electricity infrastructure involving high voltage cables.

The regulator has sent out a safety alert to remind duty holders to ensure safe systems of work are implemented when carrying out any work close to electricity infrastructure/electrical cables. Serious injuries have occurred during excavation and other work near underground power cables. Underground power cables present a risk of serious or fatal injury during excavation or similar work, particularly to people using hand tools (e.g. picks, concrete breakers etc.).
HSENI warns that before you start digging you should apply for network maps of the area that you are about to start working in. Precautions should include: mapping, recording and marking on site of cable runs; use of cable-locating devices; and safe digging practices.
You can access information on how to apply for network maps by clicking HERE.
- Pembrokeshire man sentenced after worker seriously injured
- Hard hat whitepaper available
- Asbestos exposure still putting lives at risk
- Slips and trips costing £73M on annual leave
- Siemens and E-On fined after worker's spine injury
- HSENI's guide to managing work-related stress
- Early death risk varies according to occupation
- Chancellor signals major reforms to health & safety regulation
- Research shows extent of workers' pain
- Mesothelioma patients call for action