Across the fields of our service territory, harvest is underway. Whether crops are being trucked to the farm for storage or heading to the elevator, this is a busy time in the field and on the roadways. We know this is a crucial time in every producer’s operation, but safety cannot take a backseat.
Throughout the year, we get reports of outages related to animals, farm equipment and vehicles. We know accidents happen and it is important to report any damage to Roughrider Electric as soon as possible, so crews can repair the issue and ensure further damage does not occur.
At Roughrider Electric, safety is a top priority for employees, members and everyone in the community. Before crew members hop in the vehicle every day, they do a 360-degree safety check. The 360-degree safety check is a complete walk around the vehicle to check for hazards or anything misplaced. Due to farm equipment’s large size and additional extension, this is something that could benefit producers. No matter how familiar you are with a piece of equipment or area, it is important to identify clearance and know where power lines, utility poles, transformers and other cooperative equipment are located in the farmyard or fields.
Here are additional electrical safety tips to keep in mind this harvest season:
• Use a spotter when operating large machinery near power lines.
• Keep equipment and materials at least 10 feet from power lines, at all times, in all directions.
• Look up and use care when moving any equipment, such as extending augers or raising the bed of grain trucks, around power lines.
• Inspect the height of farm equipment to determine clearance.
• Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.
Keep in mind if your equipment does make contact with a power line, do not leave the cab. Immediately call 911, warn others to stay away and wait for the utility crew to terminate power. If you must exit the cab, such as in the case of a fire, jump off the equipment with your feet together, without touching the ground and machinery at the same time. Keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.
Putting safety first requires alertness, focus and knowledge of potential hazards and safety steps. Slowing down and taking a few extra minutes to survey your equipment and surroundings can help ensure everyone can go home safely at the end of the day.
If you see cooperative electrical equipment that needs attention, please call the office at 800-748-5533.
From all of us at Roughrider Electric, we hope you have a safe and bountiful harvest season