Northern Powergrid, the company providing power to 8 million residents across North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, has rolled out a new guide for farmers to increase work safety around overhead power lines.

The guide was created in line with advice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

It highlights the hazards of large farming machinery coming into contact with live electricity lines, a problem that results in several fatalities and serious injuries annually in the UK.

Gareth Pearson, director of health, safety and training at Northern Powergrid said: "Safety is very important to us and we want to help ensure members of our farming community have the correct information and advice to safely work their land and reduce the risks.

"This Sunday (28 April) is World Day of Safety and Health at Work - an opportune time to remind farming communities that they’re risking serious life-changing injuries or even death if they make contact or come too close to our electricity network."

Ian Burley, HSE Principal Specialist Inspector said: "Every year people die when equipment they are either operating or holding comes into contact with overhead power lines.

“We welcome this initiative by Northern Powergrid to help save lives.”

The guide, found at northernpowergrid.com/safety, can be downloaded by farmers for future reference.