It's harvest time in Kentucky - a season of long hours, weather battles and stress for farmers. But we can't let the rush of harvest outweigh the need to work safely during the busiest time of the year. 

"From the most seasoned worker to the least, to your family members or even a supplier dropping off a load of fertilizer - any person on your farm is at risk of becoming injured or killed," says Caralyne Pennington, Farmers RECC's director of member and public communications. 

Farmers RECC urges farmers to follow these safety tips around electrical lines and poles to ensure a safer harvest season. 

• Plan your day's work and know what jobs will happen near power lines - in fields, on roadways, near grain bins or barns - and take the safety precautions needed. 
• Emphasize safety above speed in all facets of work. 
• Always keep people and equipment away from power lines. Use a spotter when moving tall loads and equipment, including tractors with antennas, grain elevators, combines, etc. 
• Lower equipment, extensions and truck beds to their lowest position - under 14 feet - before moving or transporting. Wind, uneven ground, shifting weight or other conditions can cause you to lose control of equipment and contact power lines. 
• Take care not to raise equipment such as the bed of grain trucks, ladders or poles into power lines. 
• Remember that nonmetallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, tires, ropes and hay can potentially conduct electricity. 
• Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path. Call 270-651-2191 to repair sagging lines. If you see a sagging or downed power line, stay away and contact us. 
• Use qualified electricians for work on farm electrical systems. 

Contact Farmers RECC at 270-651-2191 to report damaged or downed power lines or poles on your property.