Electrical Safety on Farms

Minister Martin Heydon T.D. and Minister Neale Richmond T.D. launched an Electrical Safety Video for Irish farmers on 7th March 2023.

The video was produced by the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (FSPAC). The FSPAC was set up as an advisory committee to the Board of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). The Committee was established to involve all industry stakeholders in improving occupational safety and health in Agriculture and is made of up of representatives from a wide range of these stakeholders such as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Farm Relief Service (FRS), Irish Farmers Association (IFA), FBD Insurance, ESB Networks, Macra Na Feirme and the HSA.

This electrical safety video was developed by members of FSPAC’s Buildings, Working at Height Working Group that includes representation from ESB Networks, the HSA, Teagasc, FBD Insurance, DAFM and stakeholders from across the construction industry. This video features John Stone, a dairy farmer from Co. Westmeath, as he demonstrates the changes he has made while updating his milking parlour and the electrical checks he regularly carries out to make his farm safer.

Commenting on the Electrical Safety for Farms video Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Farm Safety, Martin Heydon T.D. said: “This video demonstrates the need for all farmers to check the electrical supply and outputs in their yards and buildings. Doing so makes the farm safe, not only for them, but all visitors and workers on the farm. I’d urge all farmers to set aside time to check their electrical supplies, look at what improvements may be needed, and use a registered contractor to complete the required updates. Minimise the risks and make sure your farm uses electricity safely. I’d like to congratulate the collaborators on this video, the Farm Safety Partnership, Building and Working at Height Working Group and John Stone for creating an importance resource for farmers”.

On launching this FSPAC safety video Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Neale Richmond T.D. added that “This Electrical Safety video shows the importance of the collaborative efforts of the FSPAC in creating safety videos and guidance for Irish farmers. These efforts are assisting farmers make better decisions keeping them and others safe on their farms. The ESB are an important member of the HSA’s Farm Safety Partnership Working Group and play a key advisory role in helping Irish farmers achieve safer ways of working with electricity supply. I look forward to working alongside my colleague Minister Heydon and the HSA, ensuring that Irish farmers are well equipped with the guidance and supports needed in order to achieve a safer, productive farming business.”

According to ESB Networks, the top seven electrical hazards on farms are; fallen electricity wires, wiring installation, portable tools, bonding and stray voltage, electric fences, stand-by generators, machinery and high loads.

Although the HSA have seen considerable progress made in upgrading electrical installations on Irish farms over the last decade, sub-standard electrical installations and equipment can still be found on farms. Poorly maintained installations, particularly those outdoors and in wet conditions, present a significant risk of electrocution.

The HSA have reported three fatalities in the period 2013 – 2022, where the fatality or injury was triggered by an electrical problem in an agricultural setting.

The FSPAC and the HSA would like to thank John Stone for his participation in the important safety video.