Farmers may be on the fast track to at least getting their corn out of the fields right now since harvest is well under way, but the local electric utility provider says that doesn’t mean they should ignore safety.
This is National Farm Safety Week, and Ameren Illinois Director of Division Operations Craig Gilson tells WGIL with farming equipment getting bigger, there’s more and more of a chance that the machinery will have an unintended meeting with an overhead power line.
“We encourage farmers — when you first go into the field every year — to stop and take a look around,” says Gilson. “Think about what’s above you and what’s below you, what’s in front of you, what’s behind you. Conditions do change. The size of equipment might change. Our lines might sag a little bit from year to year. So really be aware of your surroundings.”
And Gilson says, if you run into a power line, try not to panic, but try to stay put. “If you can stay in the vehicle, or stay in the piece of equipment, please do that,” says Gilson. “If you’re seeing smoke or you believe you’re in danger, then exit the equipment. When you exit, make sure you jump off the piece of equipment, and don’t touch the equipment and touch ground at the same time…that’s when you could get electrocuted.”
Gilson says you could still in some circumstances unknowingly cut a natural gas line, too, at which point you’re urged to call Ameren at 1-800-755-5000, and you’re still urged to call 811 if you begin any digging projects. He also urges calling Ameren if your farm implement hits a power pole, even if there doesn’t appear to be damage.
(File photo from Ameren)
