It’s hard to imagine life in Yazoo County without agriculture.
Our local farmers feed the world, but locally their impact is most noticeable as the backbone of our economy. Much of our local employment and business activity revolves around farming.
The rewards that come from farming are numerous, but it can also be a dangerous job. According to the most recent available statistics, four of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the United States are associated with agriculture.
Paul Buxton, safety coordinator at Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association, explains that one of the hazards associated with farming can be operating equipment around electrical equipment.
“There are incidents around the country each year where tractors or other farming equipment hits power poles or make contact with power lines,” Buxton said. “These accidents are likely to cause power outages, but the potential for serious injury or even death is a much greater concern to us.”
Farming accidents involving electrical equipment can be avoided by taking the time to make sure you are aware of any potential dangers before beginning the job.
The following tips can help prevent accidents when farming around power poles and lines:
• Maintain a 10-foot clearance around utility equipment in all directions.
• Use a spotter and have flags marking the appropriate distances from power lines and other electrical equipment while working in the field.
• If your equipment makes contact with an energized or downed power line, call 911 immediately. Remain inside the equipment until the power line is de-energized, unless there is smoke or fire. If you must exit the equipment due to fire, exit by making a solid jump (without touching the equipment), and hop away to safety.
• Always remember to keep equipment and cargo extensions in mind when operating around electric equipment. Things like irrigation pipes and other materials can conduct electricity and must be kept out of contact with power lines.
Practicing safety around electric equipment when farming is the best way to avoid expensive and possibly dangerous accidents.
