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Spring is a hectic time on farms around Saskatchewan as seeding gets underway.
SaskPower is reminding producers to take the extra time to focus on safety during seeding, as equipment coming into contact with power lines or other infrastructure can lead to a tragedy.
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Last year, SaskPower recorded 262 farm-related incidents involving power infrastructure – a slight drop from the 268 recorded in 2023 – and most of those incidents occurred in the springtime.
“Preparation is vital when operating farm equipment around power lines. Plan your route before heading out, know what to do if a line contact happens, and plan routine breaks to avoid fatigue,” Nidal Dabghi, the Crown corporation’s director of safety, said in a statement.
“Safety is SaskPower’s top priority, and we want everyone working in the fields this spring to come home safe at the end of the day.”
The power company advised farmers to plan a route in advance using its interactive power line map in order to be aware of any hazards. Equipment should be lowered or retracted when crossing or working near power lines, and a spotter should be used to give a second set of eyes on the ground.
SaskPower advised farmers to take regular breaks in order to avoid fatigue, and said producers can request a temporary line lift if they’re moving a large load in the vicinity of power lines.
“Should a line contact occur, operators should remain in their vehicle and dial 911 immediately,” SaskPower noted.
If a fire ignites due to a line contact, SaskPower said operators should swing the door wide open while avoiding touching the outside of the vehicle, ensure no wires are in the way, then stand in the doorway of the vehicle with their arms crossed over their chest and feet together and jump as far away from the vehicle as possible, while avoiding contact with the exterior of the vehicle.
Operators should then keep their arms crossed and feet together and hop at least 10 metres away from the vehicle and call 911, SaskPower said.
“Do not return to your vehicle until the area has been made safe,” the power company added.
