Farm Safety & Health Week September 17-23

During harvest season, put safety first. Be alert and have knowledge of potential hazards and safety steps.

When working on the farm, keep the following electrical safety guidelines in mind:

• Use a spotter when operating large machinery near lines
• Keep equipment at least 10 feet from 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 get extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads to prevent contact with overhead lines 
• 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 your utility

If 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.

The only reason to exit equipment that has come into contact with overhead lines is if the equipment is on fire, which is rare. However, if this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the ground and machinery at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.