Harvest Abundance, Not Hazards

Electrical Safety Essentials for the Farm

These days farming often relies on data and equipment with GPS and auto-guidance systems. However, even with these modern conveniences, farm workers must remain vigilant. That’s because farming is considered one of the most dangerous jobs.

Massive machinery is indispensable to farming, but that same impressive size, height, and extension make them particularly vulnerable to contacting power lines. That’s why staying alert, focused, and knowledgeable about potential hazards and safety procedures is crucial.

To ensure a safe harvest season, we recommend the following tips to avoid electrical accidents on the farm:

• Exercise caution near power lines. Be careful when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines.
• Use a spotter when operating large machinery near power lines. Ensure the spotters do not touch the machinery while it is moving near power lines.
• Lower equipment extensions, portable augers, or elevators before moving or transporting equipment. Do not raise equipment, such as ladders, poles, or rods into power lines. Remember that non-metallic materials like lumber, tree limbs, ropes, and hay can conduct electricity, especially when damp, dusty, or dirty.
• Never attempt to raise or move power lines to clear a path. Doing so could result in electric shock or death.
• Avoid using metal poles inside bins. Don’t use metal poles to break up bridged grain inside or around bins.
• Hire qualified electricians. Ensure that qualified electricians handle work on drying equipment and other farm electrical systems.

While rare, the only reason to exit equipment that has contacted overhead lines is if the equipment is on fire. If that happens, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the machinery and the ground at the same time. Then, while still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.

Read more important electrical safety information here.