12 October 2004 00:00 Central Networks helps Derby County Council and City Council mark European safety week

Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for the East and West Midlands, is helping Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council employees understand the dangers of electricity.

As part of European week for health and safety at work, the two councils are using Central networks’ innovative safety trailer and CableSafe scheme to demonstrate to its employees some of the dangers associated with their area of work through a week long programme of events.

European Safety Week, which takes place between 18 and 22 October, focuses on construction and so Central Networks was happy to demonstrate its CableSafe scheme, which helps prevent injury and death to contractors and workers digging near electricity cables.

Central Networks CableSafe manager Graham Coles said: “We’re pleased to support such events across our entire region.

“Last year workmen in the East Midlands were injured in 34 separate accidents when they came into contact with electricity cables.

“Our free service provides information on the location of electricity cables and is available to councils, contractors and workmen in the Midlands region.

“Working closely with council employees we can ensure that they understand and call upon our service which will prevent further injuries and disruption to thousands of our customers across Derbyshire.”

Council employees can also find out about the dangers of electricity closer to home through Central Networks informative new Community Safety Trailer.

The trailer covers a range of topics from electrical safety around the house and at play, to safety in industry.

Graham said: “It’s important for people to understand that electricity is normally very safe, but it has to be treated with respect.”

The trailer will be visiting Derbyshire County Council in Matlock on October 19 and Derby City Council on the October 22.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer