SaskPower has launched its annual public safety awareness campaign, encouraging farmers to take care, and avoid hitting power poles and overhead lines during seeding.

“Farm-related line incidents often involve large pieces of equipment such as seeders, augers or cultivators hitting overhead lines or power poles,” said Nidal Dabghi, SaskPower Safety Director. “This can lead not only to costly equipment damage and power outages, but also to injury or even death.”

In 2025, 315 farm incidents involving SaskPower infrastructure were recorded. All line strikes are preventable.

Common causes of line strikes include fatigue, underestimating size of equipment, being unaware of the location of a line, and digging too close to lines. SaskPower encourages workers to take multiple breaks throughout the day and ensure they get plenty of rest before heading to work. Be aware of the power lines around you and plan your route ahead of time. Lower equipment where needed and use a spotter.

If a line contact does occur, stay in your vehicle and call SaskPower at 310-2220, or 911 in an emergency. Only leave the vehicle if it is on fire, using the proper safe exit procedure:

• 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.

For more information on electrical safety, including prevention and steps to take if you hit a power line, can be found at saskpower.com/ComeHomeSafeTonight.

At a glance...

• SaskPower reminds farmers to keep a safe distance from power poles and lines during seeding
• If your vehicle or equipment contacts a power line, stay put and call us at 310-2220, or call 911 
• Learn more at saskpower.com/ComeHomeSafeTonight.