Don’t Put Safety On Autopilot
Release Date: April 24, 2017
Contact: Erin Hollinshead, info@safeelectricity.org, 217-546-6815
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –Accuracy and consistency when planting make for impressive straight rows that also help maximize potential productivity. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is helping farmers do just that. It can provide farmers with real-time, accurate location data about a field, which can be used for crop planning, map making, navigation assistance, and tractor guidance. While it can help with driver error, it does not mean that safety can be put on autopilot. Safe Electricity provides tips to help keep farm workers safe.
GPS systems with auto-guidance allow drivers to have their hands off the steering wheel as the tractor maneuvers itself through the field. Thanks to this technology, farmers can more easily and efficiently maintain accuracy even during low light conditions, which enhances productivity.
Despite continuing technological advancements in agriculture, the Bureau of Labor Statistics continue to list farming among the top ten civilian occupations with high fatal work injury rates. In 2015, there were 252 fatal work injuries among farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers in the U.S.
“There are many hazards on the farm, from tractor rollovers to chemical products. It’s also important to remember that farming equipment is vulnerable to hitting power lines because of their large size, height, and extensions,” says Ann Augspurger, communications director of the Energy Education Council and its Safe Electricity program. “Being aware of the location of overhead power lines and planning a safe equipment route can help reduce accidents.”
In equipment with auto-guidance systems, less focus is needed on steering, which may lead some drivers to think that they do not need to be as aware of navigation issues. However, even while using a GPS with automatic steering, farm workers need to keep safety top of mind and stay focused on their surroundings.
Putting safety first requires alertness, focus, and knowledge of potential hazards and appropriate safety steps. Drivers need to stay focused on the location of the tractor and its equipment while in the field and be ready to take action themselves if necessary.
Regardless of what technology you use on the farm, keep the following electrical safety guidelines in mind:
- Use a spotter when operating large machinery near lines. A driver’s vantage point from the cab may not be sufficient.
- Keep equipment at least 10 feet from lines—at all times, in all directions.
- Look up and use care when raising any equipment such as ladders, front-end loaders, or augers.
- Inspect the height of the farm equipment to determine clearance.
- Always remember to lower extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads.
- 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 your utility.
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 the utility crew to cut the power.
The only reason to exit equipment that has come into contact with overhead lines is if the equipment is on fire, which is very rare. However, if this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the ground and vehicle at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.
For more information on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.
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The Energy Education Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety and energy efficiency. Established in 1952, the Council is headquartered within University of Illinois Extension and serves as a forum for diverse utility and energy organizations to collaborate on the mutually vital issues of efficiency and safety. Learn more at: EnergyEdCouncil.org and SafeElectricity.org.