Electrical safety in agriculture
Effective planning, risk assessment, and hazard identification are essential controls when operating plant, machinery, drones, aircraft, or undertaking activities near overhead powerlines.
In 2026, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland was notified of 72 dangerous electrical events. Plant and equipment were involved in 70 of these incidents, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with working near electrical infrastructure.
Within the agriculture sector, 15 incidents involved contact with overhead powerlines or electricity infrastructure, including poles and stay wires.
A further three incidents involved drones or aircraft contacting powerlines, while one incident was caused by backburning activities.
Each of these incidents had the potential to result in serious injury or a fatality through contact with live powerlines.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland reminds businesses and workers to implement a safe system of work and conduct risk assessments before operating near powerlines or electrical infrastructure.