Farm and ranch electrical hazards

According to the National Safety Commission (NSC), farming and ranching is the most dangerous industry in the U.S., with injuries and deaths five times higher than the average of all industries. In 1991 for example, there were 1,400 agriculture-related deaths, and approximately 140,000 reported injuries. Many of these were directly related to electrical shock and electrocution.

The chance of electrical injury is much higher on a ranch or farm than it is in a residential household for several reasons. There are many electrical systems such as automatic irrigation systems, power tools and machinery, and heavy-duty lighting, and most of these systems require higher voltage to operate. Environment plays a factor as well – the larger presence of dust, moisture, insects, and animals increases the risk of electrical shorts and fires. Farms may tend to be family businesses, but the “family home” has the electrical capacity of a worksite.

The majority of electrocutions on the farm are due to large machines like augers and threshers coming into contact with overhead power lines. Moving machinery around the farm, especially at harvest time, is an obvious necessity. But the very source of power that helps keep the farm running can quickly become deadly. Although electrical utility companies are aware that their power lines run through farm and ranch lands, they may not do enough to protect farmers from the risk of shock or electrocution.

Frayed and faulty wiring, faulty power tools, and faulty power cords also play a large part in electrical injuries on the farm. The truth is, many of these “accidents” could have been prevented if it wasn’t for the negligence of someone else’s actions.

Farmers can reduce the risk by observing overhead power lines carefully while moving machinery, getting a qualified electrician to inspect all wiring and components, and shielding wiring from rodents and other environmental factors.

But taking every safety precautions does not always protect your from the mistakes made by others. Whether you are a farmer or rancher, farm hand, or outside contractor, you have the right to feel safe from all electrical hazards on and around the property.

If you have been injured on a farm, contact the Personal Injury experts at Jim S. Adler & Associates to find out your legal rights. We have over three decades of experience researching and developing cases involving negligence resulting in personal injury including electrical shock and faulty electrical systems resulting in injury.

Contact us today for a free case review. A Jim S. Adler & Associates personal injury attorney will make sure that your rights are protected, and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.

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