Focus on Safety During Harvest

Advancements in agricultural technology, such as GPS auto-steer devices and autonomous tractors, mean farmers are able to decrease driver error and maximize productivity. Des-pite these advances, safety risks remain. In fact, farming is still one of the 10 most dangerous occupations in the U.S.

To help farmers stay out of harm’s way, Bandera Electric Cooperative shares tips for a safe harvest.
Awareness is critical, especially around electricity. It’s important to remember that farm machinery can hit power lines because of its size, height and extensions. Being aware of the location of overhead power lines and planning a safe equipment route can help prevent accidents.

In equipment with auto-guidance systems, less focus is needed on steering, which could lead some drivers to think that they don’t need to stay aware of their surroundings. However, farmworkers need to still keep careful watch.

Varying pass-to-pass accuracy levels and potential issues, such as power poles not being correctly plotted in the system, reinforce the need for drivers to stay focused on the location of farm equipment while in the field and be ready to take action if necessary.

Regardless of the technology used on the farm, workers need to follow these electrical safety guidelines:
Use a spotter when operating machinery near power lines.

• Keep equipment at least 10 feet from power lines, at all times and in all directions.
• Look up and use care when moving any equipment, such as extending augers or raising truck beds around power lines.
• Know the height of farm equipment to determine clearance.
• Always set extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads to prevent contact with overhead power lines. Grain augers should always be positioned horizontally before being moved.
• Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.
• If a power line is sagging or low, contact BEC.

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 a utility crew to cut the power.

If you must exit your equipment, jump off with feet together and avoid touching the ground and machinery at the same time. Then, still keeping both feet together, hop to safety.

In case of an accident or emergency, it’s important to have a safety plan. The plan should ensure that when there’s an emergency situation, everyone knows how to respond right away. You’ll save time, and potentially a life. If someone isn’t back by a specified time, will you know what area or field they’re in? Once you develop your plan, make sure everyone is familiar with it.