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Harvest Safety: Look UP and be cautious around power lines

Thursday | September 8, 2022
All News

In addition to being one of the most labor-intensive professions, farming is also considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. Rushing the job to save time can be extremely hazardous––even deadly––when farming near electrical equipment.

Every year, Tricounty REC sees collisions where tractors and other farming equipment accidentally collide with utility poles and power lines, causing injuries and power outages. These dangerous accidents can be avoided by looking up and planning ahead when operating large farm machinery.

If you’re preparing for harvest season, please keep the following safety tips in mind:

  • Maintain a 10-foot clearance around all utility equipment in all directions.
     
  • It can be tough to estimate distance when raising augers or the bed of a grain truck. Use a spotter and deployed flags to maintain safe distances from power lines and other electrical equipment when working in the field.
     
  • Always lower equipment extensions, portable augers, or elevators to their lowest possible level, under 14 feet, before moving or transporting them. Wind, uneven ground, shifting weight, or other conditions can cause you to lose control of equipment and make contact with power lines.
     
  • If you see sagging lines or your equipment makes contact with an energized or downed power line, DO NOT TOUCH THE LINES. Assume all downed lines are energized and dangerous. Stay away and contact 9-1-1 immediately. Remain inside the tractor/combine until the power line is de-energized.
    • If you must exit due to smoke or fire, exit the cab by making a solid jump out of the cab (without touching it), and bunny hop away with both feet together or shuffle to safety so electricity does not have a path through you. Watch the tutorial video here.
       
  • Consider equipment and cargo extensions of your vehicle. Lumber, hay, tree limbs, irrigation pipes and even bulk materials can conduct electricity, so keep them out of contact with electrical equipment.

For a step-by-step tutorial on how to exit a tractor or vehicle that’s made contact with power lines, visit our YouTube channel or watch below.

Thank you to all our local farmers out there for feeding our communities! Please stay safe this season.

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8945 County Rd K2
Malinta, OH 43535
Phone: 419-256-7900
Fax: 419-256-6581
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

©2025 Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

  • About Us
    • Application for Electric Service
    • Board of Trustees
    • Territory Map
    • Your Cooperative
    • Continuity of Service Notice
    • Seven Cooperative Principles
    • Code of Regulations
    • Retail Energy Choice Explained
    • The Lineworkers Behind Your Power
  • Member Services
    • Rebates
    • 4-H Clubs & Safety Demos
    • Scholarships
    • Youth Tour
    • Ohio Cooperative Living Magazine
    • Co-op Connections Card
    • Contact Your Representatives
    • Energy Efficiency
  • Paying Your Bill
    • Payment Options
    • Payment Assistance
    • Deceptive Payment Practices
  • Safety/Alerts
    • Report an Outage
    • Storm Checklist
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Planting Trees
    • Safe Use of Electricity
    • Phone/Email Scam Alert
    • Downed Lines
    • Telemarketers Calling You?
  • Events
    • Family Month Giveaways
    • Annual Meeting
    • Farm Science Review
    • Important Dates
    • Member Appreciation Day
  • Helpful Links
    • Energy Efficiency
    • Renewable Energy
    • Co-ops Vote
    • Co-op Organizations
    • ENERGY STAR
    • Beat the Peak & Help Keep Rates Low
    • Voices for Cooperative Power - Send a message to elected officials!
  • Contact Us