Overhead power lines on Irish farms pose a serious risk to farmers, contractors and anyone in the vicinity of high machinery passing close to these lines. Several people have been killed and many more injured as a result of making contact, or near contact, with overhead electricity lines during agricultural work. Machinery (such as forage harvesters, combine harvesters and tipping trailers), equipment (such as ladders) and activities (such as stacking) are often involved. Many ‘near misses’ also arise that are not reported and where no one is injured. Everyone working in agriculture should know, understand and follow safe procedures when working near overhead electricity lines.
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