Unison’s guide to safe summer projects around electricity

Unison Networks (Unison) is launching its summer safety campaign, encouraging everyone to make electrical safety a priority as communities, contractors, and people working outdoors prepare for projects and holiday activities.

With longer days and warmer weather, people are getting ready for a season of DIY, gardening, construction, and other outdoor work. Unison is asking everyone, from homeowners to contractors and seasonal workers, to be vigilant and proactive when working near electricity, both above ground and below.

Unison Group General Manager People, Safety and Culture, Rachel Masters is urging everyone to take a moment before starting any outdoor work this summer.

“Summer brings a surge in home improvements and outdoor work. It’s important to pause and check for power lines overhead and cables underground before you dig, trim, or build. Electricity is invisible, but the risks are very real,” Mrs Masters said.

Unison’s top safety actions for summer:

• Always look up, down and around before you lift a ladder, plant a tree, or start a project. Look for power lines, poles, boxes and underground cables. If you’re working close to Unison equipment, get the right permit first.
• Check your property. Overgrown vegetation near power lines can cause power outages, safety issues, and in some cases, fire. Keep vegetation trimmed and consult Unison’s guidelines or a local arborist if needed.
• Dig with care. Striking underground power cables can result in severe injury or damage. Use Unison’s Cable Location service to map out what’s beneath your property.
• Spot and report. If you see damaged power lines, poles, or boxes, stay clear and let Unison know immediately.

Unison’s campaign will reach residents, contractors, and rural communities through radio, print, social media, bus advertising, and digital platforms. Messages are tailored for homeowners, workers, and families. Educational programmes for children and direct engagement with local groups are also underway.

For more information, safety tips, or to request a permit or cable location, visit www.unison.co.nz or call 0800 2 UNISON (0800 2 86476).

Quick Safety Checklist:

• Look up and around. Check for power lines before working.
• Keep trees clear of power lines.
• Know what’s below.
• Stay clear to stay safe. Report damage to Unison.