This article was published in September 2020 and may be outdated.
Farm accidents can cause severe injuries, death, and damage to property and livestock. Most accidents are preventable.
Always take a moment to look up and check your clearance before moving machinery, and maintain at least 3 metres between your equipment and power lines. Follow these tips to stay safe:
- Lower truck boxes, tractor loaders, and other equipment before you drive away.
- Identify hazards and share safety plans with your employees, especially inexperienced workers.
- Locate barns, sheds, granaries, propane and fuel tanks at least 9 metres from overhead power lines.
- Follow all restrictions when moving across natural gas pipelines.
- Apply for an approved route, permits, and clearance to power lines before moving heavy equipment.
Bury overhead power lines
If your farm yard has overhead power lines, consider having them buried to eliminate the danger of equipment contacting them and to prevent downed lines during storms.
Manitoba Hydro’s Go Underground Program compensates a portion of the costs to bury the primary line in your farm yard. The program may cover:
- 50% of installation costs up to a maximum of $10,000 to bury existing overhead power lines;
- 25% of total costs up to a maximum of $10,000 for new construction.
- Apply online to change your electrical service.