Stay safe around electricity during a busy spring

With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, a busy construction season has begun and farmers will soon be returning to their fields to start seeding. During this busy season, Saskpower wants to remind our customers to take the extra time to look up and live when working near electricity.

“We continue to see a number of power line contacts each year in Saskatchewan,” said Kevin Schwing, Director of Health and Safety. “Line contacts not only can cause injury or death, but also have an impact on the individual’s family, friends and communities.”

Since 2010, there have been over 5,900 power line contacts in Saskatchewan, causing 28 injuries and four fatalities. Common causes of power line contacts include: fatigue, underestimating the distance, height or width of equipment when working near powerlines; and digging too close to a line.

All power line contacts are preventable and steps that can be taken to prevent yourself from contacting a power line include:

• Take multiple breaks throughout the day and ensure you get plenty of rest before heading to work. Drinking plenty of water can also help prevent fatigue.

• Be aware of the power lines around you and plan your route ahead

of time. Lower equipment where needed and use a spotter to prevent contact.

• Call 1-866-828-4888 or visit www.sask1stcall.com before you dig. We will send someone out to locate any underground lines so you can avoid them while doing your work.

If you see a power line on the ground, stay back at least 10 metres, or approximately the length of two cars, and call Saskpower at 306310-2220 or 911. For more information on electrical safety, including prevention and steps to take if you hit a power line, can be found at www. saskpower.com/ safety. #skpowersafe