As farmers return to fields for planting, stay alert to the dangers of working near overhead power lines. Be cautious and think twice before acting when around electric lines. If you work on a farm or know someone who does, listen to expert guest, Melanie Oetting, Manager of Administrative Services at Consolidated Electric Cooperative to learn more about how to stay safe during spring planting.
As farmers return to fields for planting, stay alert to the dangers of working near overhead power lines. Be cautious and think twice before acting when around electric lines. If you work on a farm or know someone who does, listen to expert guest, Melanie Oetting, Manager of Administrative Services at Consolidated Electric Cooperative to learn more about how to stay safe during spring planting.
My name's Sally Shatty and I'm a member of CMO Electric Cooperative. The best thing about my electric cooperative is that they're a local cooperative that manages a lot of small rural areas, but they make a huge difference. They always put their members first, they help other cooperatives when in need. They're very community engaged, dependable, and they're also friendly local faces that I know.
Harrison Waters:All right , well, hello everybody and welcome to the Power for Your Life podcast, where we focus on energy efficiency, the value of electric, cooperative membership, and safety around electricity. I'm Harrison Waters, your host, and today we will be discussing farm planting safety. You know, springtime makes most people think of warmer weather and flowers, but for farmers it's planting season. They usually associate spring with long work days and a busy agenda. And when you're fatigued and not paying attention to your surroundings, accidents can occur. Accidents with electrical lines unfortunately can be fatal and sometimes don't give you the chance to recover with me by phone. Today to talk about how farmers can stay safe during planting season is Melanie Edding . She's the manager of administrative Services at Consolidated Electric Cooperative in Mexico, Missouri. Melanie, thank you so much for joining me today.
Melanie Edding:Hi, Harrison. Thank you for having me.
Harrison Waters:Absolutely. I'm excited about this one. Um, I had to look some stuff up, you know, for this podcast, and it was really eye-opening for me , uh, to see how many accidents occur on the farm. If you're not being cautious. Uh, in 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked farmers seventh in the list of the most dangerous jobs. I would've never guessed that the criteria to determine this ranking is the number of civilian jobs with the highest fatality rates, and that's just a scary number for farmers and their families. So to avoid a potential dangerous situation, safety should be obviously a top priority in every farmer's daily routine. With the hustle and bustle of spring planning season, though, what are some of these ways that farmers can prepare to stay safe from electrical dangers?
Melanie Edding:Harrison, you know, it's important to take a few extra minutes every morning or even throughout the day as your plans change or problems occur, and you're alternating ideas of how your day was going to be. Take that time to before heading to the fields or moving equipment around the farm, to talk with those working and remind everyone of the dangers associated when working near electricity. It's everyone's responsibility to make, make staying safe around electricity a priority. We encourage planning routes and designating paths where equipment can be moved safely to avoid electric lines. In situations where there are no alternate routes. To avoid power lines, consider using a spotter when moving equipment. Also, we recommend inspecting the length and height of the equipment that's being used, and always remember to maintain a 10 foot clearance from electric lines, poles and G wires at all times. Another important tip is to check electric equipment in barns and shops to make sure it isn't malfunctioning or it hasn't been damaged by age or weather. Keep power tools, motors, and cords organized and in good repair and check them frequently for fraying scratching or signs of scorching. Another important thing to remember is keep those extension cords away from animals, water and damp areas. Make sure that you're plugging them into a gfi ground fault circuit interrupter outlet, especially when you're working in a damp or a wet area. Most importantly, always know where and how to shut the electricity off if you need to. If you do have to shut it off, label the breaker so no one turns it back on while you're working.
Harrison Waters:Wonderful, wonderful. Well, those are all great tips. Thank you so much for that. Um, you know, being informed, educated and prepared can really decrease your chances of injury or fatality even. And we hope nobody ever encounters accidentally hitting a power line or piece of electrical equipment. However, we know it's vitally important to know how to react. So what should someone do if their equipment does come in contact with a power line?
Melanie Edding:If someone's involved in an accident involving a power line pole or a G wire, the first thing to remember is stay in the machinery or vehicle and call 9 1 1. If others come and attempt to help warn them to stay away, always assume the wire is still energized. When the utility crew arrives, they will let you know when it's safe to exit. The only reason to leave the machinery or vehicle that has come in contact with the power line before the utility crew arrives is if it's on fire and you're in danger. Now, while it's rare for this to happen, if it does, you will wanna jump as far as you can from the machinery or vehicle landing with both feet together, then hop or shuffle your feet until you're at least 50 feet away. Why? Electricity is always looking for the easiest path to ground when you exit the vehicle or machinery and touch the ground, you can be subjected to risk of injury, simply trying to move away from the grounding point.
Harrison Waters:Great. Well, that's great information that our listeners may not know. Uh, I could see how someone's first in sync would be to get away from the situation instead of staying inside of the vehicle or machinery. Uh, are there any general rules of thumb during planting season specifically for farmers about how they can avoid contacting electrical equipment?
Melanie Edding:Yes. Always remember the 10 foot rule. This should be observed as a 360 degree rule. Always look below to the sides and above the power lines. You know, farming equipment has become more massive over time . Taller equipment and longer extensions can bring added challenges to maneuvering around our power lines. Always lower extensions to the lowest setting when moving equipment. And again, consider using a spotter when you are near power lines. Perfect.
Harrison Waters:All right , let's take a short break and when we come back, Melanie will share more farm planting safety tips .
Speaker 4:Spring is a busy time on the farm. Don't overlook safety in the rush. Dozens of farm workers are killed by electrocution each year. When farm machines make contact with overhead power lines, take note of electrical lines. When moving farm equipment, make sure everyone who works on the farm knows the location of power lines and keeps farm equipment at least 10 feet away, working to keep you safe. Discover the value of your co-op membership. Visit members first dot co-op today.
Speaker 5:Even though covid 19 is still a threat, your touchstone energy cooperative is as committed as ever to keeping the power on so you can do your job. By staying home and staying safe, disinfect high touch surfaces frequently and check in on your neighbors and loved ones. Often you've got the power to make a difference and you can count on us to be here for you every day .
Speaker 4:Discover the value of your co-op membership. Visit members first dot co-op today,
Harrison Waters:Energy efficiency tip number 27, verify livestock Water tank heaters are off when not needed, and we're back with the Power for Your Life Podcast. Visiting today with Melanie Edding from Consolidated Electric Cooperative in Mexico, Missouri. Now, Melanie, you've explained how farmers can educate themselves about electrical safety on the farm and what to do if equipment encounters a power line. So how does a member know who to contact when there's an electrical issue or accident?
Melanie Edding:Well, if there's an accident, it's important to always call 9 1 1 first. If you notice low hanging wires or broken guy wires or poles or equipment that needs attention, then you should call your utility provider to report that issue. If you have a general electric problem such as no power in a barn, you may need to call an electrician. Always remember to call 8 1 1 before digging. If the problem lies below ground , this is a national number and they will send a professional locator to Mark underground services, which will allow you to work safely.
Harrison Waters:Great. Well, that's valuable information that , uh, should be shared to all farmers and those who work on farms. What do you personally think is one of the best ways for farmers to stay safe during spring planting season?
Melanie Edding:I think one of the most important ways to stay safe is to keep a clear mind. It's easy to get caught up in the thoughts of what needs to be done next in order to have a successful planning season, but try to stay focused on the tasks at hand. Always keeping safety in mind by being aware of your surroundings. Try to take short breaks throughout the day, eat regularly, pack nutritious snacks, and drink plenty of fluids, and that should help keep your body in mind in its best shape to get your job done safely.
Harrison Waters:I agree with you. That is one of the best ways for farmers to ensure safety this spring planting season. Melanie, you have given our listeners a lot of great information to stay safe from all things electric and power on the farm. Even though we have focused primarily on spring planting safety, many of these tips can be applied anytime work is being done around the farm. Where can listeners go to find more information and safety tips if they maybe want to dig a little bit deeper?
Melanie Edding:Well, they're always welcome to call their local electric cooperative to speak with the member services or an energy services representative if they prefer online information. We have some excellent resources available on our members first website at members first dot co-op and the safe electricity website@safeelectricity.org.
Harrison Waters:Perfect. Thank you, Melanie, so much. This has been wonderful, and thanks for joining me today.
Melanie Edding:Well, you're welcome, Harrison. I really appreciate the opportunity to talk with you and to share some tips about farm planting safety.
Harrison Waters:Absolutely, and I hope all farmers and farm workers can use these safety tips throughout their spring planting season. And if you're not a farmer, please share this with a farmer you know, and thank them for their time and their sacrifice. I know all electric cooperative staff have gratitude and we are hoping for a safe and prosperous spring planting season for farmers and our co-op country.
Speaker 4:Thanks for listening to the Power for Your Life Podcast. To learn more about this topic and other safety efficiency and energy technology information, contact your local electric cooperative, or visit us on the web at members first dot co-op. You can also follow us on social media at facebook.com/members first cooperatives pinterest.com/members first or instagram.com/members. First , if you have a question or topic you would like us to consider for an upcoming episode, email us at members first , a eci.org .