By Alice McFarlane

SaskPower urges safety on the farm during seeding season

Apr 28, 2025 | 7:18 PM

As seeding gets underway across Saskatchewan, SaskPower reminds farmers to make safety their top priority.

It continues to be a concern as last year SaskPower recorded 262 farm-related incidents involving power infrastructure – down from 268 in 2023 – with the majority occurring in the spring.

Media relations consultant with SaskPower Scott McGregor said it helps to plan your route ahead of time.

“We have a really useful interactive map on our website at saskpower.com/lookupandlive. It shows every above ground power line, transformer, every bit of infrastructure above ground so you can appropriately plan your route ahead of time,” McGregor said.

If you are moving from field to field with an air seeder or sprayer, it’s best to collapse or retract the equipment before you start moving around power lines.

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“That will make your footprint a lot smaller and hopefully allow you to get some safe clearance around that that power infrastructure if possible.”

Another tip is to use a spotter for a second set of eyes on the ground.

McGregor said fatigue is often factor when mistakes are made.

“We absolutely understand that seeding is a very hectic and a very busy time. You can plan breaks just to avoid that fatigue and to keep your senses sharp and if you are going to be moving a large load.”

SaskPower has created guidelines should a line contact occur. Operators should remain in their vehicle and dial 911 immediately.

In the event of a fire igniting due to the line contact, operators should follow the safe exit procedure:

• Swing the vehicle door wide open, making sure to not touch the outside of the vehicle
• Make sure no wires are in your way
• Stand in the doorway of the vehicle, cross your arms in front of your chest and put your feet together
• Jump as far from the vehicle as possible landing with your feet together, ensuring you don’t touch the outside of the vehicle.
• With your arms still crossed and feet together, hop at least 10 meters away from the vehicle
• Do not return to your vehicle until the area has been made safe.

It you’re moving a large load around power lines that can’t be avoided, temporary line lifts can be arranged.

“You would just give us a call or head over to our website and we can schedule one of those to make the route a little bit safer,” McGregor said.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com