With agriculture remaining one of Ireland’s highest-risk industries according to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the 2025 edition focuses on clear, actionable advice to prevent accidents and raise awareness of electrical hazards commonly encountered on farms.

The booklet highlights the key dangers associated with overhead lines, underground cables and farm machinery, providing safety procedures that reflect current equipment trends and work practices.

The updated edition also outlines essential steps for planning farm work safely, including maintaining safe clearance distances from overhead power lines, checking for underground cables before digging and ensuring that large machinery - such as hedge cutters, slurry tankers and tipping trailers - can operate without coming into contact with live infrastructure.

ESB Networks key farm safety messages

  • Watch out for overhead electricity wires.

  • Stay clear of electricity poles.

  • Always assume that electricity wires are live.

  • Never touch fallen wires.

  • Never handle stock that may be in contact with electricity wires.

  • Display safety stickers on farm machinery to remind everyone to be 'electricity safe'.
  • In an emergency, call the ESB Networks emergency number 1800 372 999.

    • Click here to download the Farm Safety Booklet