A farm safety initiative at this year’s National Ploughing Championships is giving farmers practical guidance on working safely around electricity infrastructure, with a particular focus on overhead lines, underground cables and machinery.

The collaboration between ESB Networks and Agriland forms part of the event’s farm safety programme, with dedicated sessions addressing the risks associated with electricity on farms and how they can be managed through better planning and awareness.

According to Agriland, ESB Networks is using the championships to reinforce its “Stay Safe, Stay Clear” message, highlighting the importance of keeping a safe distance from overhead electricity lines and identifying hazards before work begins.

ESB Networks advises farmers to maintain a minimum distance of 10 metres from electricity wires and to consider overhead lines when planning work involving machinery, equipment or high loads. Its wider farm safety guidance also covers risks including fallen wires, portable electrical equipment, electric fences and standby generators.

Underground infrastructure is another important consideration. Farmers undertaking excavation or groundworks are advised to use the Dial Before You Dig service to identify underground electricity cables and other services before work starts.

The approach reflects the practical nature of farm safety, where risks can change depending on machinery, seasonal activity, site layout and the type of work being undertaken. Simple controls, including safe distances, clear planning and appropriate communication, can help reduce exposure to electrical hazards.

The National Ploughing Championships also provide an opportunity to bring these messages directly to farmers. ESB Networks and Agriland are hosting sessions covering farm safety and electricity-related challenges, allowing attendees to consider how safety measures can be incorporated into everyday operations.

For the sector, the lesson is direct: practical electrical safety starts with awareness and preparation, helping farmers manage everyday risks around infrastructure while creating safer conditions for everyone working on the farm.

Source: Agriland / ESB Networks / Health and Safety Authority / National Ploughing Association