THREE collisions between a tractor and electrical infrastructure within the space of 24-hours has spurred SA Power Networks to re-issue a warning to SA farmers.
There was an incident on Monday afternoon at Paruna in the Murraylands, involving 19,000 volt lines, followed by one at Boors Plains on Yorke Peninsula and another near Crystal Brook, involving a 132,000 volt line on Tuesday.
SA Power Networks corporate affairs manager Paul Roberts said each of those incidents involved tractors performing on-farm work and had the "potential to trigger a tragedy".
"Getting the crops planted should not be a matter of life or death," he said.
"While we can only urge farmers to be powerline aware, there is a clear need within the rural sector to address this issue as lives are at risk.
"We know everyone wants to take advantage of some good and long-awaited rain, but not at any cost."
Mr Roberts said families should discuss farm safety at breakfast.
"It is families who will be affected if something goes wrong," he said.
"It is an issue to be addressed before any job is undertaken on the farm.
"It's not hard to identify the poles and wires in a paddock before starting work.
"That simple action might save a life and lot of heartache."
If equipment does come into contact with powerlines, SA Power Networks says to contact them immediately on 13 13 66 and avoid moving from the vehicle until the crew confirms the power is switched off.
Others in the vicinity should keep clear until the power line is confirmed safe.
If it is necessary to evacuate the vehicle to prevent injury, people are encouraged to jump well clear of the vehicle, ensuring no contact with the vehicle and ground at the same time and then calmly walk clear of the vehicle using small steps.
No one should return to the vehicle until after the area has been made safe by SA Power Network crews.
- Details: Contact SA Power Networks on 13 13 66. For an emergency, call 000.