ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS TO KEEP HOOSIER FARMERS SAFE DURING HARVEST SEASON

With many of Indiana’s 58,000 farmers beginning to harvest this season, Indiana Electric Cooperatives reminds them to practice safety – especially when working around electricity. Farming is one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the United States and 62 farmers are electrocuted every year. These deaths can be prevented by practicing simple safety measures.

To prevent electrocution, safely clear combines and other harvesting equipment of overhead power lines. Tall equipment can come into contact with power lines if there isn’t a minimum 10-foot distance between them. And, installing waterproof and dustproof electrical boxes and outlets at the farm is an easy way to avoid electrical dangers.

If farm equipment does come in contact with a power line while you’re inside, do not leave the machinery. Call 911 and tell anyone that comes to your aid to stay away from the machinery. If you must exit the machinery for life-threatening reasons, jump out and away from it, making sure to land with your feet together and touching. Then, shuffle away with your feet touching until you reach a safe distance.

The National Electrical Safety Code requires power lines to be at least 18 feet above the highest point on any grain bin with which portable augers or other portable filling equipment are used. If a standby generator is used on a single-phase system, connect it to the farm’s wiring system through a double pole, double-throw switch. This prevents backfeed and keeps linemen safe from the risk of electrocution.

It is also important to educate full-time and seasonal farm workers to stay safe on the farm. Each worker should be aware of the dangers and utilize proper safety procedures.

Combine and tractor harvesting wheat.

Know what to do if electrical contact occurs

With farmers returning to the field for harvest season, Jay County REMC reminds them of the dangers of power lines.

If you’re inside the machinery when coming in contact with a downed power line…

  • If you can, drive safely away from the downed power line and the source of electricity. Travel at least three tractor lengths, or about 40 feet, before stopping.
  • If you can’t drive or you are injured, it’s best to stay where you are until help arrives.
  • If you must get out of the machinery (for example, if the machinery is on fire), don’t touch the machinery and the ground at the same time with any part of your body or clothing.
    • With the door open, prepare to jump. Stand up, elbows tucked into your stomach and your hands held close to your chest.
    • Jump out and away from the machinery, taking care to land with your feet together and touching. Don’t stumble.
    • Shuffle away with your feet touching each other and the ground. Don’t stop until you’re at least three tractor lengths away from the machinery.
    • Call 911 and ensure that no bystanders come within 40 feet of machinery.
    • Once away from the equipment, never attempt to get back on or even touch the equipment.

If you’re outside the machinery when you notice a farmer comes in contact with a downed power line…

  • Stay at least three tractor lengths away.
  • Tell the person on the machinery to stay where he or she is.
  • Call 911 and ensure no bystander moves within 40 feet of machinery.

Helpful tips to stay safe on the farm

Farms can be the perfect arena for an electrical accident. Here are helpful safety tips:

  • Make sure to keep equipment 10 feet clear of overhead power lines in all directions.
  • Install waterproof and dustproof electrical boxes and outlets on the farm.
  • Keep machinery a safe distance from power poles and guy wires.
  • Educate farm workers on the dangers of electricity and proper safety procedures.

 

Farming safety by the numbers

6: Farming is the sixth most dangerous job in the United States.

55: The minimum distance in feet between a power line and grain bin wall.

243: The number of agricultural workers who suffer a serious lost-work-time injury each day.

SOURCES: TIME Magazine, NRECA, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Information on this website is subject to change without prior notice.