Ergon Energy have designed a new mobile app that aims to reduce the likelihood of incidents and injuries occurring at high risk work sites, particularly for cane growers across the state.
Following 146 farm accidents involving contact with overhead powerlines in the past year, machinery operators are being encouraged by Ergon to utilise the free Look Up and Live app, which pinpoints the locations of 1.7 million poles and 178,000 kilometres of overhead powerlines.
Community safety manager Aaron Smith said while people understand powerlines are dangerous, they don't always take them into account during their risk assessments.
"The Look Up and Live app is a simple, lifesaving tool that will help you determine which control measures are needed to protect you and your mates on site, from safety observers to physical barriers or requesting a planned power outage," he said.
The app can be tailored by users to receive site specific information for their workplace, with the ability to order powerline markers and safety information for these locations.
"Part of what we're doing with the agricultural industry is encouraging farmers to take a step back and use the app to identify precisely where all the powerlines are on their properties, verify their heights and contact us for advice if they have any questions," Mr Smith said.
"One incident or injury is one too many and we are working with high-risk industries to keep everyone safe around powerlines by careful planning."
Ergon hopes to see more uptake within the agricultural, construction, aviation and transport industries, with the app becoming an important addition to the safety toolkit.