Farm Safety Week is a reminder that the work we do in agriculture is important, but it also comes with risks. For many families in the Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative service area, farming is more than a job. It is a way of life that keeps our communities strong. Along with the rewards of farm life come unique safety challenges, and one of the most serious is working near electricity.

Accidents can happen when equipment or tools come into contact with overhead or underground power lines. Tractors, combines, grain augers, and other tall equipment can all pose a danger if they get too close to energized lines. The good news is that most of these accidents are preventable with a little extra care and awareness.

Look up and live. Before you move tall machinery or raise a truck bed, always check for overhead lines. Keep at least 10 feet of clearance in all directions. If you are working at night, use extra caution because power lines may be harder to see.

Use a spotter. Having someone guide you when moving equipment can prevent costly and dangerous mistakes. A second set of eyes is often the best line of defense.

Stay put if contact happens. If your equipment touches a power line, the safest place to be is usually inside the cab. Call 911 and wait for help. Warn others to stay away until utility crews arrive. Only leave the cab if there is immediate danger, such as a fire. If you must exit, jump clear without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time, then shuffle away with small steps.

Know where underground lines are. Before digging new posts, trenches, or water lines, call 811 to have underground utilities marked. Striking an underground electric line can be just as deadly as hitting an overhead line.

At TVEC, safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our crews train constantly to be ready for the unexpected, and we encourage our members to take the same approach on the farm. A moment of awareness can mean a lifetime of safety.

Thank you for all you do to feed and support our communities. Stay alert, stay safe, and remember that electricity is a powerful tool that demands respect.

Harvest season is busy, but a few extra seconds of awareness can prevent serious accidents. That is why TVEC created this simple Farm Safety Checklist to help you and your family stay safe around electricity every day.

  • Print it.
  • Post it in your barn or shop.
  • Review it with everyone who works on your property.

Because nothing matters more than making sure we all go home safe.

Click here to download your checklist.

Want to learn more? Each day during National Farm Safety & Health Week will feature webinars related to the daily topic of focus.