Farm Safety Week, year-round awareness

Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept. 21–27, a time to recognize the importance of safety in agriculture and raise awareness about the hazards farmers face every day.  While this designated week serves as an important reminder, safety on the farm should be a year-round priority.

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Farm accidents involving equipment and utility infrastructure can result in injuries, deaths and power outages. Among the most common incidents are collisions between tractors or other machinery and power lines or utility poles. While these accidents can have serious consequences, many are preventable with caution, awareness and safe operating practices.

Farm electrical safety tips

• Maintain a safe distance. Keep at least 10 feet of clearance from all utility equipment in all directions.
• Use spotters and flags. Spotters and visible markers provide guidance and awareness to help farmers safely navigate around electrical hazards.
• Know what to do if you make contact. If your equipment touches a power line, stay inside and call 911.
• Treat all equipment as conductive. Materials such as lumber, hay, tree limbs, irrigation pipes and bulk goods can carry electricity — keep them away from power lines.

— From the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association