Watch out for power lines during harvest

This spring Verendrye Electric had about a dozen power poles struck by tractors, with one of the accidents resulting a dangerous situation where the power lines were draped over machinery. Luckily no one was hurt in any of the accidents.

According to OSHA, around 62 farm workers are electrocuted each year. The most common cause of electrocutions are portable grain augers, oversized wagons, large combines, and other tall equipment that come into contact with overhead power lines. Hitting power poles or overhead lines can be deadly, can cause power outages and they are costly to repair.

September 21-25 is designated as National Farm Safety and Health week which makes this month a good time to think about safety around power lines. Here are a few tips to stay safe on the farm this harvest.

Regardless the technology used on the farm, keep the following electrical safety guidelines in mind: 
•    Use a spotter when operating large machinery near power lines.
•    Keep equipment at least 10 feet from power lines—at all times, in all directions. 
•    Look up and use care when moving any equipment such as extending augers or raising the bed of grain trucks around power lines.
•    Inspect the height of farm equipment to determine clearance.
•    Always set extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads to prevent contact with overhead power lines. Grain augers should always be positioned horizontally before being moved. 
•    Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.
•    If a power line is sagging or low, contact Verendrye Electric.

If your equipment does make contact with a power line, do not leave the cab. Immediately call 911, warn others to stay away and wait for the utility crew to cut the power. Operators of farm equipment or vehicles must also know what to do if the vehicle comes in contact with a power line: Stay on the equipment, warn others to stay away and call 911. Do not get off the equipment until the utility crew says it is safe to do so.

Awareness of your surroundings, around, above and below, and planning safe equipment routes can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Even with GPS and auto-steering, it’s imperative that farm workers keep a close eye on the equipment’s location and are ready to take action if necessary.

Review with all workers the farm activities that take place around power lines. Inspect the height of farm equipment to determine clearance. We wish everyone a successful and safe harvest.