Machinery operators urged to watch out for overhead power lines

Machinery Operators Urged to Watch Out for Overhead Power Lines

Queensland electricity provider Ergon Energy reminds farm machinery operators to exercise extra caution around overhead power lines. Contact between equipment and electrical infrastructure remains a serious risk for agricultural workers across regional Queensland.

Look Up and Live Safety Campaign

Ergon Energy's safety campaign dubbed "Look Up and Live" reminds everyone about dangers involved when working near overhead power lines. Farm equipment operators, particularly those running tractors, augers and harvesters, face heightened risk when moving through paddocks with elevated electrical infrastructure.

In 2022, more than 50 incidents occurred where farm equipment made contact with power lines. This figure highlights an ongoing safety concern for rural properties throughout Queensland's agricultural regions.

Tractor Contacts More Than Doubled

"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," Ergon Energy Area Manager Matt Oar said.

Oar's comments underscore a growing trend that safety professionals cannot ignore. Equipment operators handling larger machinery near overhead power lines must remain vigilant, especially given rising contact rates across affected regions.

Why Overhead Power Line Safety Matters

"We want everyone to stay focused and stay safe so that at the end of their day's work, they can go home to their loved ones," Oar said.

Electrical contact incidents involving farm equipment carry serious consequences, including electrocution, equipment damage and disruption to energy supply for surrounding properties. Employers running agricultural operations should factor overhead power line hazards into daily risk assessments, particularly during harvest season when equipment movement across properties increases significantly.

• Always check equipment height clearance before moving machinery near power lines
• Maintain safe distances specified by relevant electrical safety authorities
• Train operators to identify overhead power line locations before starting work
• Report near misses involving electrical infrastructure promptly

Supporting Safer Work Near Power Lines

Employers can strengthen on-site safety by implementing documented procedures for equipment operating near electrical hazards. SafetyDocs offers a Safe Work Method Statement for working near power lines and roadways to help businesses manage this risk formally.

For agricultural operations specifically, the Overhead Electric Lines on Farms SOP provides a practical framework for managing electrical safety risks tied to farm equipment and infrastructure.

This incident echoes similar warnings issued elsewhere, including our coverage of Ergon's advice for large vehicle and machinery operators and SafeWork SA's caution to machinery operators around powerlines. Similar concerns have also been raised for other equipment types, such as our report on NSW forklift operators urged to follow safety rules.

Businesses seeking broader guidance on equipment upkeep can also review our SOP for Equipment Maintenance, which supports safe handling practices across various machinery types.

Read more here.