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Watch Out for Electrical Hazards on the Farm Crisp, fall weather means harvest time on the farm. Don’t let this harvest turn dangerous when electrical hazards are overlooked. On average, 62 farm workers are electrocuted annually in the United States. We don’t want you to be one of them. Imagine driving a combine to your field through a back gate when things come to a screeching halt. You look back to see what’s stopping you only to discover that you’re tangled in an overhead power line! What do you do? First, DON’T climb out. Unless you’re in immediate danger, stay where you are and call for help. Most utility lines are uninsulated, bare wires. Do not let your body become a direct link between the power line and the ground. If you must leave the combine, jump as far away as you can, making sure that no part of your body touches the combine and the ground at the same time.
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Once you’re off the combine hop or take small steps away, do not go back until Inland Power disconnects the power. Also, following these tips will help keep everyone on the farm safe: • Look over work areas carefully for overhead power lines and utility poles. • Make sure there are ample clearances of power lines when moving large machinery such as combines, grain augers, pickers, bailers and front end loaders. Be cautious of equipment heights if you purchase new machinery. • When planning new construction, consider existing power lines. • Be extra careful when working around trees and brush that often obstruct power lines. • Train all farm workers on how to properly operate machinery near overhead power lines.
Your safety is important to us at Inland Power! For more safety information visit our website at www.inlandpower.com.