Outdoor Project Season Reminders
As we enter the warm summer months, many of us are heading outside to start our seasonal projects. Before starting though, there are a few important safety laws and advice to keep in mind to help protect our workers and members of the community as they head into the great outdoors!
One thing to remember, especially as you are driving this summer, is the Move Over Law. The Move Over Law is an important law in Ohio that works to keep all workers, including our stakers and linemen, safe. This law states that when you are approaching any stationary vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road, you must move over, giving the vehicle and its crew space. If there is traffic, inclement weather, or unfavorable road conditions that keep you from moving over, then the law requires you to slow down instead. Following this law avoids the fines associated with breaking it, but more importantly, it ensures our crews and other road workers return home safely at the end of the day. In many cases, it’s a good idea to both move over and slow down.
Now is also a good time to remember overhead line safety. Overhead lines are dangerous. Electricity can arc and strike those who are not even touching the lines. When working with large or bulky equipment (like farm equipment) near power lines, have a spotter who can help you maneuver safely without getting close to the overhead lines. If you need to maneuver a big piece of equipment under or near the lines, contact us so we can de-energize the lines while you move the equipment. While we have our own contracted tree-trimmers, if you have hired someone to trim your trees and they may get near our overhead lines, call us so we can de-energize the lines. This way, your trimmer can trim safely, or we can trim in their place.
Before starting your next gardening project or aerating your land, call 811 before you dig. Underground electric, water, or gas lines can be closer to the surface than you think, so knowing where they are will confirm where it is safe to dig. Hitting a line can disrupt your utilities, result in additional costs to your project, or cause harm to you. Once notified, 811 will send one of their teams out to mark the utility lines.
Lastly, while working on your farm, keep in mind farm equipment safety! Before you clean your equipment, disconnect it from the power source to avoid the equipment turning on while you clean it. When carrying ladders, have another person help you so you can carry it horizontally. This avoids the chance of encountering overhead lines.
While some of these tips may seem obvious, they are nevertheless important to maintaining the health and safety of all involved. While you are working outside, keep this advice in mind and have a safe and happy summer!
