AFL Victoria Record Article – August 23

This weekend at grounds across country Victoria and southern NSW, we stop to celebrate Energy Safe Round.

The initiative has been designed by Energy Safe Victoria to remind country football fans to look up and live and stay safe around electricity.

As part of the round, ESV will be handing out “Look up and Live” re-usable coffee cups at country football matches, in the hopes that those working near electricity will keep the cups handy and remember this vital message.

Leongatha Football Netball Club will be hosting a special “Look up and Live” round event, with giveaways and activities at their game against Traralgon.

The Look up and Live campaign raises awareness about the dangers of power lines and the precautions that must be taken when working in their vicinity.

By educating workers to steer clear of the three metre ‘no go zone’ ESV is hoping to reduce the amount of injuries and literally save lives.

ESV would like to remind everyone to not take risks with power lines, think of your loved ones and your family.

Follow the below safety precautions and Look up and Live

  • Identify all electrical hazards and power lines before starting work, specifically at dawn or dusk when there is low visibility.
  • Remember that electricity can jump gaps. If in any doubt contact the local electricity distribution company.
  • Ensure an ESV registered spotter is on hand when working anywhere near overhead power lines.
  • Monitor weather conditions as power lines can sag in extreme heat and sway in strong winds.
  • Relocate bulk delivery storage sites to a safe area away from power lines.
  • Only tip material near power lines as a last resort when there is no other location and never raise the tray of tipper trucks when underneath power lines.
  • Suppliers of bulk materials must ascertain, when taking orders, the delivery point on the farm for the load, the proximity of power lines and the safety precautions in place when working near power lines.
  • Drivers should refuse to deliver loads if their safety is compromised in any way.
  • Display LOOK UP AND LIVE stickers on any machinery or equipment which is to be raised overhead.
  • Remember – everyone involved in the delivery of material has a duty of care to ensure the safety of themselves and others.