‘Safe is a 4 metre word’: New Aurora Energy campaign targets worksite electrical safety

‘Safe is a 4 metre word’ is a simple reminder that you don’t need to touch overhead lines, pole-mounted equipment, or underground cables to risk a serious or fatal electric shock.

Getting too close can cause an electrical arc, meaning electricity jumps across a gap of air to a person, equipment like ladders or tools, or machinery like diggers.

Aurora Energy General Manager Future Network and Operations Matt Settle says tradies and contractors work near the Aurora Energy network every day and their safety is paramount.

“Safety is our number one value, and we want to make sure everyone gets home unharmed. That means making sure everyone working near our network understands the risks.”

Striking cables or overhead lines can not only lead to injury and project delays but also cause costly unplanned power cuts, which impact nearby homes, businesses and communities.

In 2025, there were at least 20 reported incidents of tradies or contractors hitting underground cables, overhead lines or power poles on the Aurora Energy network.

“Thankfully, none of these resulted in serious injury or damage but each instance has the potential to. Keeping the minimum four metre distance from network assets is the easiest way to keep everyone safe,” Matt says.

The four metre distance is also a legal requirement under the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances (NZECP 34).

Aurora Energy thanks Fulton Hogan and Naylor Love for their help in producing the ‘Safe is a 4 metre word’ campaign.

Mr Settle says collaborating with businesses that also prioritise health and safety reinforces the common goal to ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of each day.    

Fulton Hogan General Manager – HSQES, Tim Talbot says the company is pleased to support the campaign.

“Our crews work near power infrastructure every day, and this campaign reinforces the critical message that staying four metres away can save lives.”

Naylor Love Dunedin Health and Safety Manager Gary Clarkson says safety around electrical services is critically important.

“We’re proud to support Aurora Energy’s campaign to raise awareness of electrical hazards on worksites,” he says.

“Reminding our teams to keep a safe distance from power assets is a simple but powerful way to prevent serious incidents.”        

The campaign will run across digital channels, social media, and radio.

How to stay safe around the electricity network

There are some simple things contractors and tradies can do on the worksite to reduce the risk of harm.

Before raising any equipment or machinery like a ladder, crane or digger, always double check for overhead power lines because they could be closer than you think.

If a project requires digging, use the free online BeforeUDig service to get maps of underground cables and utilities within the worksite. On-site cable location services are also available. 

A close approach consent is needed to work closer than four metres from the Aurora Energy network. This can be done by applying through the Aurora Energy website at least five working days in advance.

When issued, the consent will include the minimum safe working distances and any safety measures to follow.

Aurora Energy has created resources for businesses across Otago to share and use including posters, videos and digital banners. Businesses are encouraged to download the resource kit from the Aurora Energy website and share it with their teams.

ENDS