Oct. 17, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Sioux Valley Energy, Southeastern Electric Cooperative and Xcel Energy.

With harvest underway, ag producers and their employees are urged to watch for hazards as they enter and exit their fields.

“Take the time, every time, to check your clearances and keep your distance from electric equipment like overhead lines and green boxes,” said Sioux Valley Energy manager of safety Terry Ebright. The recommended distance is 10 feet from overhead lines.

Each fall, a number of accidents involving farm equipment and power lines occur. At times, these accidents cause power outages or significant damage. But these incidents could cause serious bodily injury or be deadly.

“Just remember how long that auger reaches behind you when you are pulling in the yard. Make sure it is clearing power lines and trees and stuff,” said Jeff Thompson, a Minnehaha County farmer. “With loaders, make sure the buckets are down and in a safe position.”

That reminder also is important in nonagriculture settings.

“Whether you are working close to power lines or pulling out of a shop building, it is always a good idea to utilize a spotter when moving large equipment,” said Joshua Sloan, Xcel Energy safety consultant. “If your power line is regularly in the way of your equipment operation, consider working with your local utility to get it moved.”

And if digging is part of an operation’s fall plans, call 811.

“Take the time to call 811 before you dig to locate underground utilities,” Ebright said.

The electrical system is designed and built to be safe and efficient, but when contact is made, it can be dangerous.

“If you do hit a power line, stay put and call 911 and your local power provider,” said Southeastern Electric safety coordinator Tom Zingler.

“Take the time. It needs to happen every single time a piece of large equipment is moved or a dig is planned.”