You’re moving an auger in the old farm truck when you realize you’ve hit overhead power lines. Do you stop and call for help? Do you step out of the truck? There are 14,000 volts running through that auger; what should you do?

During a recent farm safety demonstration, a SaskPower worker showed how power can arc between an overhead line and grain auger and travel down the auger tube looking for a way out. Note the spark at the top of the auger and the flare where the worker’s pole touches the auger body. (Photo courtesy SaskPower)

If you don’t know, you’re not alone. In just four years (1991-2003) there were over 1,000 fatal farm accidents in Canada, several of them because of electrocution.

SaskPower is on hand at the Farm Progress Show spreading the word about farm and power safety. Working safely on the farm doesn’t have to be difficult -- there are several simple things each and every farm can do to minimize accidents.

Completing a straightforward farm safety audit -- available through the Rural Health Extension Program at Saskatoon -- is a great way to start. The audit is easy and fast and includes a checklist for both home and the farm. Something as simple as knowing what to do, as in the above scenario, could save your life.

And what should you do if you hit a power line? Stay put. Don’t exit the vehicle or touch the auger. Call 911 or your power company, or ask someone nearby to do so, making sure they stay a full 10 metres from the vehicle.