Harvest crops, not electricity
Be aware of power lines when in the field
KENTUCKY’S FARMERS will shift into high gear soon as they move into their fields to bring in crops. The increased activity puts farmers and farm workers at greater risk, reminding them to consider electrical safety while they’re in the fields.
People assume that large pieces of equipment like combines and grain augers will fit under the power lines, but that isn’t always the case. The biggest cause of electrocutions on farms is equipment accidentally touching power lines—most commonly, portable grain augers, oversized wagons, large combines and other tall equipment that come into contact with overhead power lines. Every year 62 farm workers are electrocuted in the United States, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Here are some tips for farmers to protect themselves and their workers:
Always look up and around before moving or raising equipment. Keep in mind power lines sag between poles, especially on hot days. Stay at least 20 feet from all power lines and power poles.
Never try to raise power lines to allow passage of tall equipment.
When considering the height of equipment, don’t forget about the radio antennas and GPS receivers that may reach another couple of feet above the roof.
Similarly, consider equipment and cargo to be extensions of your vehicle. Lumber, hay, tree limbs, irrigation pipes and even bulk materials can conduct electricity, so keep them out of contact with electrical equipment.
Remember new equipment could be bigger and taller than what it replaced. Don’t assume the new equipment will fit in the same space.
Fully lower grain augers and other portable equipment before moving them.
When moving equipment near power lines, have a spotter to ensure your safety. If you’re not completely sure equipment will fit under a power line, find an alternate route around it.
Watch out for power poles. Striking one may cause live lines to drop on your equipment.
Working the land has enough hazards in the work itself. With care and planning, moving to and from the fields shouldn’t be one of them.
