SaskPower continues to remind Saskatchewan farmers about the importance of adhering to safe practices during a very busy harvest season.聽
鈥淚t takes just a moment to be distracted and injured by electricity,鈥� said SaskPower鈥檚 director, health and safety, Kevin Schwing. 鈥淲e want to remind customers to stay aware around power lines.鈥澛�
The company said they also continue to remind farm workers to 鈥渓ook up and live,鈥� meaning to constantly be vigilant while working around overhead power lines.聽
As harvest continues, SaskPower wants to remind farm customers to plan their work in advance, lower equipment when moving it and use a spotter to prevent contact with overhead lines.聽
鈥淲ith the fast paced harvest season, we want customers to stay safe,鈥� said Schwing. 鈥淭hings like planning your route to the field, knowing where the power lines are during the work and avoiding them will help keep you safe.鈥澛�
Some customers might also be planning a bit of final yard work before the frost hits. Schwing said to keep electricity in mind when doing the tree trimming. If there are trees around power lines in the yard, the customer needs to phone 1-888-757-6937 and SaskPower will send a team to trim the trees at no charge.聽
Another need is to phone 1-866-828-4888 if there is going to be any significant digging or trenching going on in and around the yard. Again, someone will come out, locate any underground lines so they can be avoided while the digging work continues.聽
Weather-related incidents also bring safety risks. If anyone sees a power line lying on the ground following a storm, stay back from it at least 10 metres and call SaskPower at 310-2230 or call 911 and trained technicians will attend the scene since there is a good chance the electrical line may still be live. 聽
