Farm Safety

Agriculture ranks among the most dangerous industries in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, farming accounted for 23.2 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2013. The safety of our employees and our members remain a very high priority for T.I.P. REC. It is important for farm operators and workers to look out for overhead power lines and maintain a safe distance. Click here for specific information on the required grain bin clearances relating to Iowa law and and Iowa Electric Safety Code. 

Some additional safety guidelines include:

• Always use a spotter when operating large machinery near power lines.
• Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines. 
• Keep equipment at least 10 feet from lines—at all times, in all directions.
• 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, call the cooperative office immediately. 
• If your equipment does hit a power line, do not leave the cab. Immediately call 911, warn others to stay away, and wait for the cooperative line workers to cut the power. 

Source-images & content: Safe Electricity - A program of the Energy Education Council