Ergon advises operators of large vehicles and machinery to exercise caution when working near overhead powerlines

Ergon advises operators of large vehicles and machinery to exercise caution when working near overhead powerlines, following almost 150 incidents involving heavy vehicles on its network since the year commenced. Regional Queensland's electricity distributor says construction crews, transport operators, and workplace supervisors all have a role to play in keeping overhead electrical infrastructure safe.

149 Incidents in Six Months Highlight Ongoing Risk

Ergon Energy says agricultural machinery, heavy loads, trucks, along with earth moving machines and excavators, have collided with power poles or contacted overhead powerlines in many parts of Queensland, interrupting electricity supply to many homes for several hours.

Ergon data reveals that over the previous six months, 149 incidents involved heavy vehicles impacting electrical infrastructure—this number emphasizes the continuous risk posed to public safety and the electricity grid. Anyone operating large vehicles near power poles or overhead lines should treat these figures as a reminder that hazards can appear without warning.

Why a Moment's Inattention Matters

Acting Area Manager Wes Bahr cautions that a brief lapse in concentration can lead to a collision with live wires or downed lines, potentially resulting in severe injury or even worse outcomes. Construction sites, farms, and transport routes across Queensland all carry similar hazards where machinery works high under overhead powerlines.

“Our message to anyone operating large machinery is clear: stay alert around electrical assets, especially when moving high loads,” Wes said.

“If your vehicle comes into contact with powerlines or any electrical equipment, remember our Stay, Call, Wait! mantra – Stay in your vehicle, Call for help, and Wait until emergency services and our crews arrive.”

Building Safety Into Daily Operations

Workplaces relying on large machinery near overhead powerlines need robust safety plans that address exclusion zones, equipment checks, and driver awareness. Effective plans reduce risk by ensuring every operator understands site-specific hazards before work begins.

• Identify overhead powerline locations before mobilising heavy vehicles or machinery
• Maintain safe clearance distances and observe exclusion zones around electrical assets
• Train operators to recognise hazards specific to their site and equipment
• Establish clear plans for emergency response, including the Stay, Call, Wait approach
• Review safety plans regularly to reflect changing site conditions and infrastructure

Construction businesses and transport operators can strengthen their approach by reviewing a Safe Work Method Statement for working near electric powerlines, which outlines requirements for safe operation around live electrical infrastructure. Sites using guarded machinery should also consult a Safe Operating Procedure for working with guarded machinery to keep equipment risk low.

A National Pattern of Powerline Caution

Queensland isn't alone in raising this concern. Similar warnings have come from other states, including SafeWork SA's guidance urging machinery operators to exercise caution around powerlines and advice for South Australians to prioritise safety when working near powerlines. Landholders conducting burns near electrical assets face comparable hazards, as outlined in guidance for land owners urged to exercise caution near electrical assets.

For roadside and railway work, a Safe Work Method Statement covering roads, railways, and power lines offers further direction for keeping vehicles and crews safe near infrastructure.

Key Takeaways for Operators and Workplaces

Every workplace using large vehicles and machinery under overhead powerlines carries responsibility for reducing risk to workers and the public. Clear plans, ongoing training, and adherence to safe work requirements remain essential to preventing incidents like those reported across Queensland this year.

Read more here, and for further updates on industry events supporting safety practices, see details on the Workplace Health and Safety Show.