Over 250 farm-related power line incidents reported in 2023: SaskPower
SaskPower is reminding farmers to be wary and make safety a priority while operating equipment near power lines.
While accidents can always happen, the provincial electrical Crown says there’s a noticeable rise in power line contacts as farmers make their way into the field during seeding and harvest.
In 2023, a total of 268 farm-related power line incidents were reported to SaskPower, according to a news release.
“We understand that spring seeding is a very busy time across Saskatchewan,” Director of Safety Nidal Dabghi said in the release.
“We urge farmers to work safely so they can come home safe tonight.”
The Crown reminds producers to avoid operating equipment while fatigued, to use a spotter when moving equipment close to power lines, and planning routes ahead of time to help prevent accidents.
SaskPower provides a “Look up and Live” interactive map, which displays overhead power lines across the province.
In the event anyone contacts a live power line — SaskPower urges residents to follow its safety procedures.
If able to, operators should remain in their vehicle and call 911 immediately.
If the line contact causes a fire, operators should follow the safe exit procedure:
- Swing the vehicle’s door wide open, being sure not to touch the outside of the vehicle.
- Ensure no wires are in your way.
- Stand in the doorway, crossing your arms in front of your chest with your feet together.
- Jump as far from the vehicle as possible while making sure to not touch the outside of the vehicle. Keep your feet together.
- While keeping your arms and feet together, hop away from the scene at least 10 metres.
- Once at a safe distance – call 911
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'It was hell': Israeli mother held hostage with her children describes 51 days in captivity
Hagar Brodutch, her three children and four-year-old neighbour were kidnapped by Hamas-led militants from their home in Kfar Aza, Israel on Oct. 7 and held for 51 days. They were released in November, but Brodutch says her thoughts are never far from those still being held in Gaza.
BREAKING Teen dies after being hit by train in N.W. Calgary
A teenager has died after being hit by a train in northwest Calgary on Tuesday afternoon.
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.
New COVID-19 subvariants become the dominant strains in Canada
More than four years after COVID-19 effectively shut down the world, two new variants of COVID-19 have become the dominant strains of the novel coronavirus in Canada.
'It's his vacation too': Jimmy the baby goat joins 2-week road trip across Canada
After Jimmy the baby goat was shunned by his mother, a New Brunswick man took the kid on a two-week road trip across Canada.
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
It’s the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes and kickstarted a media storm. And now the double-level seat is back – only this time, with a twist.
Widespread theft costing Canada's retail industry dearly: experts
The Retail Council of Canada wants to put a stop to widespread theft within the retail industry, and industry leaders are meeting this week to find solutions.
Former South Dakota mayor charged with triple homicide
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.