Powerline Safety

There are more than 300 incidents of farm machinery contacting overhead power lines in Saskatchewan 

each year. All are preventable. Over half happen during the busy spring seeding season – between 

April and June.

Today’s farm machinery – including augers, seeders, cultivators and sprayers – is bigger than ever. 

Be sure to take your time, know your equipment, and identify the risks before you start your work.

Using proper safety procedures near power lines is absolutely necessary for your safety and the 

safety of others around you. Avoiding contact with power lines requires a strong awareness of 

safety factors and good decision-making ability. Underestimating height or width of equipment is 

usually a cause; fatigue is also a common factor. Almost half of all power line contacts involve 

large equipment. Always be aware of your surroundings, and keep SaskPower’s Look Up and Live! 

slogan in mind.

Safety Tips:

Make these safety steps part of your plan when power lines are identified within 6.1m of the work 

area:

•  Take time to note the location of all power lines in and around your worksite. Be aware of both 

overhead and underground power lines.

•  Before operating equipment, make a safety plan that prevents contact with lines.

•  Take the time to examine the hazard and use a trained signaler.

•  Always use a spotter on the ground to warn you of any dangers when moving equipment.

•  Check the height of your equipment / load and never ride or climb on either when near a power 

line.

•  Be sure to lower equipment where needed.

•  Don't ground your equipment around a power line.

•  Watch for uneven ground that may cause your vehicle to weave, bob, or bounce.

•  To prevent fatigue, ensure you get plenty of rest before starting work, take multiple breaks, 

and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

• Call 1-866-828-4888 or visit sask1stcall.com before you dig. SaskPower will send someone out to locate any underground lines so you can avoid them while doing your work. Also, notify SaskPower to have a power line de-energized, disconnected, relocated, or isolated if required.

CAUTION

If you contact or see a downed power line, do not get out of your vehicle. Call SaskPower at 306- 310-2220 or call 911 immediately to have the power line de-energized. Tell bystanders to stay at least 33 feet (about 10 meters) away. If you need to exit the equipment or vehicle due to an imminent risk — such as a fire — make sure you have a clear and wire-free exit. Then cross your arms, put your legs together, and jump as far as you can; landing on both feet before shuffling or hopping at least 10 meters away.