Amp Up Your Farm Safety

September 13, 2024

In today’s agriculture, data and technology, such as GPS and auto-guidance systems, play a crucial

role. Despite these modern tools, farmers must stay vigilant, as farming is one of the most hazardous

occupations. Farming equipment is essential, but its size, height, and extensions make it vulnerable to

power lines. Therefore, workers must be alert and informed about safety protocols.

During a busy harvest season, familiar sites can quickly fade into the background, causing workers to overlook

overhead power lines. Failure to notice these lines can lead to tragic accidents.

Being aware of your surroundings and planning safe equipment routes can reduce the risk of accidents. Even

with GPS and auto-steering, farm workers must keep a close eye on the equipment’s location and are prepared to

act if needed.

Exposed underground powerlines, defective wiring in farm buildings, and extension cords are also hazards.

Grain bins can pose a potential danger as well. The National Electrical Safety Code requires power lines to

be at least 18 feet above the highest point of any grain bin with portable augers or other portable filling equipment.

Your safety is vital to Union Power, here are a few tips to help avoid electrical accidents on the farm:

„ Avoid using metal poles inside bins: Refrain from using metal poles to break up bridged grain inside or

around bins.

„ Never attempt to raise or move power lines to clear a path: Doing so could result in electric shock or

possible death.

„ 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. Non-metallic materials like lumber,

tree limbs, ropes, and hay can conduct electricity, especially when damp, dusty, or dirty.

„ Practice caution near power lines: Be careful when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power

lines.

„ Use spotters when operating large machinery near power lines: Ensure the spotters do not touch the

machinery while it is moving near power lines. If the equipment you are operating comes in contact

with overhead lines and catches on fire, jump off the equipment with your feet together without touching the

machinery or the ground simultaneously. Keep your feet together and hop until you reach a safe area.

We appreciate your ongoing commitment to supporting our daily lives and going above and beyond.

With these tips, we can work together to provide a safe and secure environment