Manitoba Hydro is warning farmers to be extra cautious this spring after a series of incidents involving large agricultural equipment and overhead power infrastructure.
Three serious incidents in one week
In the last week, three separate incidents involving farm machinery have resulted in damage to hydro equipment.
One of those incidents brought down a transmission tower on the Bipole 1 High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) line near Gross Isle. Manitoba Hydro confirms the tower has already been replaced and the line has been restored.
The other two incidents occurred near Russell and Oakville and involved distribution poles. Both caused localized outages, but there were no injuries reported in any of the cases.
Peter Chura, Media Relations Officer with Manitoba Hydro, says the consequences of such accidents can be serious. He notes that in one case, a farmer was trapped in the cab of his equipment for several hours while the area was made safe.
“In all three of those cases, we’re very, very fortunate that there was no injuries or fatalities involved,” says Chura.
Larger equipment increasing risks
As farm machinery gets taller and wider, the likelihood of accidental contact with electrical infrastructure continues to grow. Manitoba Hydro says the most common equipment involved in these incidents are cultivators and air seeders.
Last year alone, there were 136 reported cases of farm equipment hitting hydro lines or poles.
To reduce the risk, producers are being urged to apply for a Farm Equipment Clearance Permit if their equipment exceeds 4.8 metres in height. The permit is free and helps identify safe travel routes that avoid potential electrical hazards.
Stay in the cab and call 911
Hydro officials are also reminding farmers what to do if contact does occur: stop immediately, stay inside the equipment, and call 911. The surrounding ground could be energized, posing a fatal risk if the operator attempts to exit the vehicle.
“Call 911. Don’t get out of the vehicle,” Chura adds. “The ground and the area is energized and that could be fatal.”
The clearance permit is available online at hydro.mb.ca/farmequipmentclearance and remains valid for the entire growing season.
Manitoba Hydro emphasizes that public and worker safety remains their top priority.