Neglecting safety can be fatal, especially when it comes to operating farm machinery in the presence of electricity.

Contact with overhead lines, stay wires or poles can result in major damage to infrastructure and farm equipment.

Contact with electricity can cause serious burns, disabling injuries, or death.

To ensure a safe silage season, ESB Networks - in collaboration with Agriland - has put together the following tips to help farmers and contractors make electrical safety part of their seasonal plan.

Maintain electrical equipment

With the herd out to pasture in the spring/summer, power washing sheds and yard repairs are high on the list of to-dos.

Before you plug anything in, ensure power cables and extension cords are in good condition.

Water and electricity can be a deadly combination, and rubber-soled footwear and gloves cannot be relied upon to protect you from electrocution.

Be aware of surroundings

Identify the locations of overhead electricity lines, poles, and stay wires on the property, and along your route.

If it is not feasible to physically show contractors where electrical infrastructure is, use a map to inform external help of potential hazards.

Maintain awareness of your precise location. In the event of an accident, the property’s Eircode or your GPS coordinates will ensure the emergency services and ESB Networks can find you.

Plan routes

Traversing ditches, cutting through fields or under electricity lines may present unnecessary risks.

Establish routes to keep a safe distance from overhead electricity lines, poles and stay wires.

Electricity can arc or jump gaps, so you do not need to make direct contact with the line to be electrocuted.

Keep a safe distance while working

Harvesters, augers, sprayers, and booms are among the biggest culprits when it comes to accidents with overhead wires. However, care must be taken with all equipment around electrical infrastructure.

Damage to a pole or stay wire may undermine the electricity line and cause a hazard. Report any damage to ESB Networks immediately by calling 1800 372 999.

When hand-carrying equipment such as irrigation pipes or ladders, carry them horizontally to avoid the chances of contact or electrical arcing.

Use the buddy system

Most of us do not go anywhere without our mobile phone.

However, it is still a good idea to let someone know where we are going and how long we expect to be there, in the event the unexpected happens.

Practice safe storage

Never stack bales, materials, or equipment beneath electricity lines.

Not only will it present a risk when it comes time to move it, but it may also present an enticing challenge for young climbers.

Report damage

Report any damage to electricity infrastructure to ESB Networks immediately by calling 1800 372 999.

Never touch fallen wires, or handle stock or vegetation that may be in contact with electricity wires.

Always assume that electricity wires are live and contact ESB Networks on our emergency number 1800 372 999.

The ESB Networks Summer Safety Series 2026 is a collaboration with Agriland to raise awareness of safety around electricity and power lines.