Farmers Urged to Follow Power Line Safety During Harvest

By Scout Nelson

Harvest season is one of the busiest periods for farmers, as they work long hours to bring crops out of their fields. During this time, operating large machinery near overhead power lines, poles and electrical wires can create serious safety risks. Combines, grain carts, augers, and other farm equipment may come into contact with electrical lines if operators do not pay attention to their surroundings. Following proper safety practices can help prevent electrical accidents and protect farmers, workers and their families.

Angie Johnson, NDSU Extension Farm and Ranch Safety Specialist, and Kaylee Cusack, Senior Communication Strategist for Minnkota Power Cooperative, highlighted the importance of electrical safety during harvest. Through the Watch the Wires campaign, NDSU Extension and Minnkota Power Cooperative work together to educate farmers about electrical hazards and ways to prevent dangerous incidents.

Growing Electrical Risks During Harvest

Modern farm equipment continues to become larger, taller, and more advanced. Although these improvements help farmers complete fieldwork efficiently, they can also increase the chances of contacting overhead power lines and support wires.

Limited visibility, long working hours and unfamiliar field entrances can make it difficult for equipment operators to notice electrical hazards. Public transmission line incidents in Minnkota's service region have more than doubled over five years, showing the need for greater awareness.

“Harvest is a busy time, and large equipment can make it difficult to see just how close you are to a power line,” says Angie Johnson, NDSU Extension farm and ranch safety specialist.

The Watch the Wires campaign focuses on helping farmers identify electrical hazards before an accident happens. It also provides guidance on how to respond safely if machinery comes into contact with a power line.

“Our Watch the Wires public education campaign is about building awareness before an incident happens and making sure producers know what to do if their equipment contacts a line,” says Kaylee Cusack, senior communication strategist for Minnkota Power Cooperative.

Important Power Line Safety Practices

Farmers and equipment operators should follow several precautions before entering fields or moving large machinery near electrical infrastructure.

• Check the surroundings: Look for overhead power lines, poles and support wires before entering a field. Pay special attention to unfamiliar routes and field entrances.
• Know equipment height: Understand the height and reach of combines, grain carts, augers and other machinery. Include antennas and extended equipment when checking clearance.
• Lower raised equipment: Fully lower or secure augers, booms and other raised parts before moving near overhead lines.
• Maintain safe distance: Keep at least 10 feet between machinery and power lines or poles. Some situations and equipment require greater clearance. Contact the local electric utility if there is any doubt about safe passage.
• Use a spotter: Ask someone on the ground to help identify hazards when visibility is limited.
• Do not depend only on technology: GPS and automatic steering systems cannot identify every electrical hazard. Operators must remain alert.
• Share safety information: Inform family members, employees and other equipment operators about power line locations. Review routes whenever equipment or field conditions change.

These precautions help reduce electrical risks and create safer working conditions during busy harvest operations.

What to Do if Equipment Contacts a Power Line

If farm machinery touches an overhead power line, the equipment and surrounding ground may become energized. Even when there are no visible sparks, the electrical current can cause serious injury or death.

Operators should follow these emergency steps:

1. Stay Inside the Equipment

Remain inside the cab and avoid touching the ground and machinery at the same time. The equipment may carry dangerous electrical current. Do not climb down until emergency responders or utility workers confirm that it is safe.

2. Call Emergency Services

Call 911 immediately and provide the exact location of the incident. Contact the local electric cooperative or utility if possible.

3. Keep Other People Away

Warn nearby workers, family members and other people to stay at least 35 feet away from the equipment, fallen wires and surrounding danger area. Never approach a downed power line, even if it appears inactive.

4. Exit Only During Immediate Danger

If the equipment catches fire and staying inside becomes dangerous, jump clear without touching the machine and ground at the same time.

Land with both feet together. Then shuffle or hop away while keeping your feet together until you reach a distance of at least 35 feet. Never return to the equipment.

Awareness Can Help Prevent Electrical Accidents

Electrical dangers are not always easy to see. A power line can send electricity through machinery and the ground without producing sparks or other visible signs. Touching energized equipment while standing on the ground can allow electricity to pass through the body.

“Electricity does not have to be visible to be dangerous,” says Johnson. “The safest approach is prevention. If contact occurs, staying in the cab and keeping others away can save lives.” 

Farmers can learn more about electrical safety through NDSU Extension's Power Line Safety Resources and Minnkota Power Cooperative's Watch the Wires campaign.

Photo Credit: Minnkota Power Cooperative