As harvest season gets underway, fields across our communities will soon be filled with tractors, combines, grain carts, and other large equipment working from sunrise to sunset. While this is one of the busiest and most rewarding times of the year, it's also a time when extra attention to electrical safety can help prevent serious accidents.
Modern farm equipment continues to grow taller and wider, increasing the chance of coming into contact with overhead power lines. Taking a few moments to look up and plan your route before moving equipment can make all the difference.
Keep these important electrical safety reminders in mind throughout the harvest season:
- Watch for overhead power lines. Always be aware of power lines when entering fields, using irrigation equipment, or transporting machinery on roadways.
- Look up before moving tall equipment. Keep combines, grain augers, sprayers, and other tall equipment at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines at all times.
- Never approach a downed power line. Always assume a downed line is energized and dangerous. Stay far away, keep others away, and report it to the cooperative immediately.
- Watch out for guy wires. Guy wires help support utility poles and keep them stable. If a guy wire is damaged or struck by equipment, report it to the cooperative as soon as possible so repairs can be made before it creates a larger safety hazard.
If your equipment ever comes into contact with a power line, remain inside the cab if it is safe to do so and call 911 and the cooperative immediately. If you must exit because of fire or another life-threatening emergency, jump clear of the equipment with both feet together and shuffle away without lifting your feet until you are at least 40 feet away.
Our employees work year-round to deliver safe, reliable electricity to the agricultural operations that are the backbone of our local economy. This harvest season, we encourage everyone to make electrical safety part of every day's work.
We're proud to power our farms that power our communities. Stay safe out there.
Curtis Taylor is a seasoned safety and trades education professional with more than 35 years of experience in secondary and post-secondary instruction. He has served as an OSHA Outreach Instructor for over 25 years and brings more than six years of experience as a Cooperative Safety Officer. Curtis holds multiple industry-recognized credentials. He is also a certified safety trainer and a nationally credentialed electrical and construction trades instructor.