Farm Safety

Operating equipment around powerlines and poles is serious business.

The weather has turned crisp, the leaves are changing colors, and there are just a few precious days left to get the corn into the bin. But no matter how much work is left and how little time, you need to make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and the powerlines that are near your fields. Not doing so, and not knowing what to do if you happen to hit a powerline, could make this your last harvest.

As safe as farmers are in our region, each year in the Midwest electrical poles are struck by farming equipment during harvest. With thousands of miles of electrical poles and wires across the countryside, it can happen. But these incidents are preventable and avoidable.

When you’re out harvesting, make sure to maintain a safe distance from overhead powerlines and do your best to stay clear of power poles.

Use a spotter to help navigate large equipment around power poles and lines and take special care when you’re entering or exiting a field through an approach.

Farmers need to remember a few important steps if they’re ever caught in a situation where they contact a powerline:

If you hit a powerline, don’t get out of the vehicle.

The first thing you should do is dial 911. Authorities will contact the electric cooperative to make sure they de-energize the line right away.

Wait in the vehicle until authorities give you the all-clear signal.

If the vehicle is on fire and you must get out of the cab, make sure you jump as far away from the vehicle as you can.

And never, ever touch the ground and the vehicle at the same time.

Keep others away from the vehicle and never touch another person to get help exiting.

If you have to make a jump for it, keep hopping with your feet together until you’re at least 40 feet away from the vehicle and then call for help. Keeping your feet together as you hop away is important. It keeps one foot from stepping into a higher voltage zone on the ground than the other foot, which could cause electrocution.

Do not approach your vehicle again until utility crews and emergency responders tell you it is safe.

Your local Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives are committed to the safety of our members, and we want to make sure everyone knows the steps to take to stay safe. Visit yourcooppower.com to learn more about your local Touchstone Energy Cooperative and about staying safe during harvest.

Here’s to a safe and bountiful harvest!

Farm safety message provided by East River Electric.