SaskPower shares tips to help keep farmers safe during harvest

Harvest is a hectic time on farms across Saskatchewan, but safety should always come first.

SaskPower offered tips for farmers to help reduce risk when working around power lines with large equipment.

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There have been 178 incidents of farming equipment making contact with power lines in the province so far this season, the company reported, which is 14 fewer than the same time last year.

Farmers should always use a spotter whenever moving large equipment in the area of power lines, SaskPower advised, and should make use of collapsing or retracting equipment whenever possible. It’s also important to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue, which can contribute to accidents.

“If you’re moving a large load around power lines, request a temporary line move,” SaskPower advised.

Producers can also plan a route ahead of time to avoid power lines using an interactive map on SaskPower’s website.

“Safety is at the core of everything we do at SaskPower, and we want to make sure anyone working near power lines knows how to do so safely,” said Nidal Dabghi, SaskPower’s director of safety.

“When operating large equipment near power lines, preparation is key to ensure safety. Make a plan before heading out and stay alert.”

If equipment does come into contact with a power line, SaskPower said to stay in the vehicle and call 911.

If a fire is ignited by a line contact, SaskPower said to follow the safe exit procedure by swinging the door wide open without touching the outside of the vehicle, standing in the doorway with arms crossed and feet together, and jumping as far from the vehicle as possible, landing with feet together. After exiting, SaskPower said to keep arms crossed and feet together and hop at least 10 metres away from the vehicle before calling 911.

“Under no circumstances should you return to your vehicle until the area has been made safe,” SaskPower cautioned.