Ergon Energy urges caution around powerlines

Ergon Energy Urges Caution Around Powerlines

Ergon Energy urges caution around powerlines as farm machinery operators head into a busy season of paddock work. Fallen powerlines are extremely dangerous, and the electricity distributor wants every operator to treat all powerlines as though they're 'live' at all times.

Queensland recorded 57 incidents involving farm machinery contacting powerlines last year, prompting Ergon Energy to renew its safety messaging ahead of harvest and planting periods.

A Sharp Rise in Tractor Contacts

“The majority of these contacts were with our high-voltage overhead powerlines. It really sends a chill through me just thinking about it,” Area Ergon Manager Matt Oar said.

“There has been a surge in the number of contacts made by tractors – they've more than doubled, from six in 2021 to 16 last year.”

Modern farm machinery has grown taller and wider, making contact with overhead lines increasingly likely if operators don't stay well clear when moving equipment near powerlines or other electrical equipment.

'Look Up and Live': Ergon's Latest Safety Campaign

Ergon Energy's latest safety campaign, 'Look Up and Live', reinforces the importance of safety around powerlines for everyone working on or visiting rural properties.

Key safety reminders from the campaign include:

• Always check for overhead powerlines before moving tall machinery, augers, or irrigation pipes.
• Be extra careful when transporting or unloading grain, especially near sheds and silos with nearby powerlines.
• Stay safe by planning transport routes that avoid low-hanging or roadside powerlines.
• Never assume a fallen line is safe — damaged powerlines can remain energised and should be reported immediately.

Ergon is cautioning workers that even brief contact with high-voltage infrastructure can cause fatal injuries, equipment damage, or fire. Operators loading or transporting farm plant should think twice before raising machinery near any line, and should train staff to recognise overhead hazards before starting work.

Building a Culture of Safety on the Farm

Beyond individual awareness, a genuine safety culture depends on consistent procedures for anyone operating plant near powerlines. Farms and contracting businesses should document clear steps for working near electrical infrastructure, including pre-start checks, spotter requirements, and incident reporting processes.

SafetyDocs has published related guidance for operators managing similar risks, including SafeWork SA's advice for machinery operators near powerlines and a related piece on how a new campaign urges SA farmers to exercise caution around powerlines. For businesses managing storm or flood recovery, SA Power's guidance on safety around powerlines during flood clean-up offers further practical steps.

Businesses operating machinery near overhead infrastructure can also strengthen their documentation with a purpose-built Electric Powerlines – Working Near SWMS, which outlines control measures for crews working close to energised lines. Where operations involve aircraft near farm infrastructure, the Working Around Helicopters SWMS provides additional guidance, while sites running fixed plant may benefit from the Conveyor Belts Working Around SOP for managing machinery hazards more broadly.

Farm safety around powerlines isn't just an individual responsibility — it's a shared commitment between operators, landholders and the wider community. Ergon Energy is urging everyone working with plant near electrical infrastructure to slow down, look up, and live to see another harvest.

Read more here.