Ag Safety Days
At Wheatland Electric we take safety seriously. We provide our linemen with the most up-to-date electrical safety training. This ensures everyone goes home safely after working what is an inherently dangerous job. Electrical safety does not only apply to those who work on the lines, but to all our members. Since we all live near power lines, we could all be involved in a potentially dangerous situation. This is why Wheatland Electric has taken an active approach in educating the public and promoting electrical safety in the communities we serve.
Recently, Progressive Agricultural Safety Days were held at the Greeley County Fairgrounds in Tribune. At this event, Manager of Safety and Compliance Quinten Wheeler used the hot-line safety demonstration trailer to show the destructive potential of electricity and how linemen remain safe on the job. Third and fourth grade students were shown several examples of how potential accidents can happen and how to best avoid them.
Throughout the day students rotate between several stations where they participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations. Demonstrations include Electrical safety, Firearm safety, Farm equipment safety, Fire safety, and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety.
Wheatland believes safety education is a key component of Cooperative Principle Five:
Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public, particularly young people and opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
During the demo, students had the opportunity to pass around safety gear while linemen showed how easily electricity can arc between lines. “Providing these demonstrations is a great way to teach students about the dangers of electricity. Usually, the kids really perk up after they see that first flash, after that, they tend to pay attention and really come away with a new understanding of the destructive power of electricity.” said Quinten Wheeler, Manager of Safety and Compliance.
Ag safety days rotate between several locations in our service area and happen twice a year in the early spring and fall. To learn more about Wheatland’s dedication to safety or to set up a demonstration, please email Quinten Wheeler qwheeler@weci.net or Alli Conine aconine@weci.net, or call (620) 872-5885.