Saskpower says there has been an increase in the number of incidents involving people hitting power lines. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Spring Safety

Public urged to be aware of overhead lines

Apr 15, 2020 | 2:16 PM

SaskPower wants people to remember to be aware of overhead power lines as we head into spring.

SaskPower spokesperson Joel Cherry said they wanted to put out the message with spring seeding for farmers soon approaching.

“Spring is when we tend to see the highest number of line contacts and that’s largely because of spring seeding,” he said.

According to SaskPower, in 2019 there were 327 incidents where people hit lines. This is a slight increase from 2018, where there were 314 incidents. Cherry said the increase has been a consistent pattern and they want to see the trend reverse itself. He added the majority of cases involve people hitting overhead lines as opposed to power poles.

“The number of contacts continues to go up, one is too many frankly and we want to make sure we can turn that trend around,” he said.

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Cherry said along with safety concerns, when people damage a line it affects the entire system causing power outages.

To avoid possibly contacting a line Cherry said they recommend people get out and make sure they are aware of where lines are. It is also recommended any equipment be lowered to the lowest possible level when it is being moved.

Cherry added they also advise people make sure to take care of themselves and avoid fatigue while outside working.

“Make sure you’re getting proper rest, drinking plenty of water and taking breaks throughout the day,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn