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Valley Rural Energy Services: Learn More About VRES  
Toll-free: 800-432-0680 | Pay-by-phone: 855-922-3147
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

HIC Number PA130865

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Farmers: Remember electrical safety this harvest season

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Thursday | September 7, 2023
All News

September 7, 2023

In 2017, farmers ranked eighth in the list of the most dangerous jobs (civilian jobs with highest fatality rates) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics/U.S. Dept. of Labor. Unfortunately, farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers rank right below other hazardous jobs such as logging, roofing, and steel work.

It is no wonder farmers make that list. As agriculturists are well-aware, many dangers are present in their long and arduous workdays

One of the causes of injury and death in the agricultural industry is electrocution. Of those injuries, overhead power lines are the most common cause of electrocution.

Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and Safe Electricity remind farmers that accidents related to power and electricity can be prevented. Especially during the busy harvest season, take the following steps to decrease the chances of an electrical-related incident.

  • Always use a spotter when operating large machinery near lines.
  • Use care when raising an auger or the bed of a grain truck 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 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 local utility immediately.
  • If your equipment does hit a power line, do not leave the cab. Immediately call 9-1-1, 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 equipment at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.

Although harvest season is a time filled with tight deadlines and heightened work stress, take the time to consider electrical safety. To help ensure a safe harvest, stay alert for power lines, exercise caution, and always put safety first. It could save your life or the lives of others.

For more information on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org .

Article courtesy of SafeElectricity.org with modifications by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative. Photo by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative.

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Main Address

Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc.

10700 Fairgrounds Road

PO Box 477

Huntingdon, PA 16652-0477

 

Phone Numbers

Telephone: 814-643-2650

Toll-free: 800-432-0680

Pay-by-phone: 855-922-3147

Fax: 814-643-1678

 

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday

7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

 

HIC Number PA130865

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The Touchstone Energy® name and logo design, the Co-op Connections® name,
the tagline "The One Card That Does It All®," and the tagline "The Power of Human Connections®"
are federally registered trademarks and may not be used without permission.

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  • Home
  • Billing Info
    • View & Pay Bill
    • Residential Bill
    • Payment Options
    • SmartHub Overview
      • SmartHub for the Web
      • SmartHub for iOS
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    • Disconnection Policy
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    • Fees
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      • Purchased Power Adjustment
  • Member Info
    • The Cooperative Difference
    • Bylaws and Forms
    • Annual Report
    • Capital Credits
    • Directors and Districts
    • Member Meetings
    • Recent Posts
    • Penn Lines
    • Valley News
    • Scam Alerts
  • Programs & Services
    • Valley Rural Energy Services
      • Generator Sales and Installation
      • Generator Transfer Switches
      • Whole Home Surge Protection
      • Electrical Service Work
      • Water Heater Sales
      • Water Heater Rebates
      • Home Energy Audits
      • LED Light Bulbs
    • Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
    • Community Service Grant Program
    • Co-op Connections Program
    • Demand Response
      • Demand Response Details
    • Educational Programs
    • For Kids
    • Golf Outing
    • Members Helping Members
    • Scholarships - Brighter Future
      • 2024 Recipients
      • 2023 Recipients
      • 2022 Recipients
      • 2021 Recipients
      • 2020 Recipients
      • 2019 Recipients
      • 2018 Recipients
      • 2017 Recipients
      • 2016 Recipients
      • 2015 Recipients
      • 2014 Recipients
      • 2013 Recipients
      • 2012 Recipients
      • 2011 Recipients
      • 2010 Recipients
    • Youth Tour
  • Safety
    • Indoor Safety
    • Reporting an Outage
    • Storm Center
    • Safety Quiz
    • Safe Electricity
  • Save Energy
    • Electric Shift
    • Energy Calculators
  • About Us
    • Contact Info
    • Offices and Hours
    • Service Territory
    • Job Openings
    • Legal Information
    • About Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
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