A new seeding season is underway for many parts of the province – and with that comes SaskPower’s call for all producers, farmers, and large equipment operators to Look Up and Live this spring.

In 2021, SaskPower saw 288 farm-related power line incidents in Saskatchewan, and one tragic fatality. In 2020, SaskPower reported 306 power line incidents involving farm equipment.

“We understand that as the weather gets warmer, there is a push to get seed in the ground as quickly as possible - and sometimes, this rush can lead to a collision involving a power line or a power pole,” said Nidal Dabghi, Director of Safety at SaskPower. “Safety is our priority, and it’s our goal to have everyone working in the fields this farming season come home safe, and without incident.”

SaskPower offers a number of safety tips when operating large machinery including lowering or retracting equipment prior to transport, planning your route ahead using the Look Up and Live app, using a spotter when working around power lines, and taking regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

Should a line contact or collision with a power pole occur, call the SaskPower Outage Centre at 310-2220 or 911 if it’s an emergency.

The most important thing is to remain in your vehicle, provided it’s safe to do so. If staying in your vehicle isn’t possible due to a fire or other safety concern, follow these steps:

• Make sure no wires are in your way
• Stand in doorway, cross arms, put feet together
• Jump as far as possible, land with feet together
• Do not touch the vehicle
• Keep arms crossed, feet together, and HOP at least 10 metres to safety

Under no circumstances should anyone return to their vehicle.

For more information on seeding safety, visit saskpower.com/lookupandlive.

At a glance...

• SaskPower is calling for all farmers and operators of large equipment to Look Up and Live this spring
• SaskPower saw 288 farm-related power line incidents last year, resulting in one fatality
• If a line contact occurs, the operator should remain in their vehicle, if possible
• More information can be found at saskpower.com/lookupandlive