Farming is among the more dangerous occupations for several reasons, including potential for encounters with electrical hazards. Before taking to the fields, Central urges farmers to be aware of overhead power lines and to keep equipment far away from them.

We encourage farm managers to share this information with their families and workers to keep them safe:

• Start each morning by planning your day’s work. Know what jobs will happen near power lines and have a plan to keep workers safe.
• Keep yourself and equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines in all directions, at all times. Use a spotter when moving tall equipment.
• Use care when raising augers or the bed of a grain truck. It can be difficult to estimate distance, and sometimes, a power line is closer than it looks. Use a spotter to make certain you stay far away from power lines.
• 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.
• Be aware of increased height when loading and transporting larger modern tractors with higher antennas.
• Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path.