The third week of September is National Farm Safety and Health Week. Of MVEC’s 969-square-mile service area, much is farm land.
Power lines, though part of our everyday landscape, can pose significant risks to farmers operating heavy machinery. Harvest season is particularly hazardous as farmers often need to navigate public roadways with large equipment. When you encounter a farmer driving machinery, please be patient and share the road to ensure everyone’s safety.
Important safety tips for farmers:
- Maintain a 10-Foot Clearance: Always keep a 10-foot clearance around all utility equipment in all directions.
- Use a Spotter and Flags: Utilize a spotter and deploy flags to maintain safe distances from power lines and other equipment when working in the field.
- In Case of Contact with Power Lines: If your equipment makes contact with an energized or downed power line, call MVEC immediately and remain inside the vehicle until the power line is de-energized. If there is smoke or fire, exit the cab by making a solid jump out without touching it simultaneously and hop away to safety.
- Consider Equipment and Cargo Extensions: Treat equipment and cargo extensions, such as lumber, hay, tree limbs, irrigation pipes, and bulk materials, as extensions of your vehicle. These items can conduct electricity, so keep them away from electrical equipment.
By following these safety guidelines, we can help protect our farmers and ensure a safe harvest season for all. Thank you to our farmers for their dedication and hard work. Stay safe and vigilant!
