Harvest Season Safety Checklist: Watch for Power Lines and Guy Wires

As late summer transitions into fall, farmers and ranchers across Bell, Burleson, Lee, Milam, and Williamson counties are preparing equipment, monitoring crops, and getting ready for long days in the field. Whether you're harvesting corn, hauling hay, moving grain, or preparing for the next phase of the season, safety should remain a top priority.

At Bartlett Electric Cooperative's BEC Power, we often see an increase in reports involving farm equipment and electrical infrastructure during planting and harvest seasons. Combines, tractors, grain carts, augers, sprayers, and other large equipment can create dangerous situations when operated near overhead power lines, utility poles, and guy wires.

While these incidents can result in outages and equipment damage, our greatest concern is the safety of our members, their families, employees, and neighbors.

Start Every Day with a Harvest Safety Checklist

Before heading to the field, take a few minutes to identify potential electrical hazards and make sure everyone on your operation understands them.

Spotter in field with tractor

Harvest Safety Checklist

☐ Know where power lines are located. 
Review fields, roadways, grain storage areas, and work sites for overhead lines before work begins.

☐ Know the height of your equipment. 
Account for antennas, augers, grain cart extensions, and other attachments that can increase overall height.

☐ Maintain a minimum 10-foot clearance. 
Keep equipment, loads, and extensions at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines in all directions.

☐ Lower equipment before moving. 
Always lower augers, elevators, grain cart extensions, and raised equipment before transport.

☐ Use a spotter. 
A second set of eyes can help identify hazards that may not be visible from the operator's seat.

☐ Check weather conditions. 
Wind, rain, and storms can impact equipment control and affect power line clearances.

☐ Watch for guy wires. 
Guy wires support utility poles and may be located near field entrances, roadways, and fence lines.

☐ Review emergency procedures. 
Make sure employees, family members, and seasonal workers know what to do if equipment contacts a power line.

Don't Forget About Guy Wires

When people think about electrical hazards, overhead power lines usually come to mind first. However, guy wires are an important part of the electric system and deserve just as much attention.

Guy wires help stabilize utility poles and support reliable electric service throughout our communities. They can be difficult to see when moving large equipment, particularly near field entrances, fence rows, road crossings, and areas with tall vegetation.

Damage to a guy wire may not look serious, but it can compromise a pole's stability and create future reliability or safety issues.

anatomy of a pole

If You Hit a Guy Wire, 
Call BEC Power Immediately

If you strike a:

  • Guy wire
  • Utility pole
  • Transformer
  • Overhead power line
  • Meter pedestal
  • Any other BEC Power equipment

Report it immediately, even if the damage appears minor.

Early reporting allows our crews to inspect the equipment, make repairs if necessary, and help prevent future outages or unsafe conditions. 

During business hours: (254) 527-3551 

After-hours and emergencies: (888) 881-7396 

When calling, be prepared to provide: 

  • Your name and contact information 
  • The location of the incident 
  • The type of equipment involved 
  • A brief description of the damage 
  • Whether power lines are down or anyone is injured
BEC Collage

What to Do If Equipment Contacts a Power Line

If your equipment comes into contact with a power line, every second counts.

Follow these important safety steps:

1. Stay Calm and Stay Inside

The safest place to remain is inside the equipment cab. Do not attempt to step down or touch the ground.

2. Call 911 and BEC Power

Report the incident immediately and wait for emergency responders and qualified utility personnel.

3. Keep Others Away

Warn others to stay back. The equipment, nearby ground, and surrounding area may be energized and extremely dangerous.

4. Exit Only If There Is Immediate Danger

If fire or smoke forces you to leave the equipment:

☐ Jump clear without touching the equipment and the ground at the same time.
☐ Land with both feet together.
☐ Hop or shuffle away with your feet together until you are a safe distance away.

Never attempt to move, lift, or repair a power line yourself.

farm safety - rest

Make Rest Part of Your Safety Plan

Harvest season often means early mornings, late nights, changing weather conditions, and tight deadlines. Fatigue can reduce reaction time and make it easier to overlook hazards.

Taking breaks, staying hydrated, and getting adequate rest can help operators stay alert and focused throughout the day.

Sometimes the safest decision is slowing down.