Fence Work Hurts More People Than You'd Think
Fence building and maintenance is constant work on Texas ranches. Miles of fence lines need construction, repair, and upkeep. The equipment you use (post drivers, wire stretchers, come-alongs, and hand tools) may seem less dangerous than tractors or chainsaws, but fence work causes plenty of injuries every year. Wire under tension, heavy post drivers, and repetitive strain all take their toll.
Knowing the specific hazards of fence work and using proper techniques can prevent injuries that range from minor cuts to permanent disability or death.
Post Driving Hazards
Hydraulic Post Drivers
Hazards include flying debris from impact, hydraulic system hazards, and noise exposure. Never hold a post during driving. Wear hearing protection and eye protection for debris, and inspect hydraulic hoses before use.
Manual Post Drivers (Slide Hammers)
Overhead lifting creates strain, the driver can slip off the post, and impact transfers to hands and arms. Use proper technique with controlled strokes, and ensure the post is stable before driving. Watch for buried utilities (call 811) and take breaks to prevent overuse injuries.
Powered Auger Posthole Diggers
The torque can throw an operator, striking buried objects is a constant risk, and PTO hazards exist on mounted units. Never operate alone. Keep hands clear of rotating parts, disengage before removing from the hole, and watch for buried utilities.
Wire Handling Hazards
Wire Under Tension
Wire whips with force that can blind, lacerate, or kill. Clips and staples become projectiles, and tools can fly from hands.
Wire Stretchers and Come-Alongs
Equipment failure releases all that stored energy, and improper anchoring causes pullout.
- Inspect stretchers for damage before use
- Use proper anchoring points
- Release tension slowly, never suddenly
- Keep bystanders well back
- Wear eye protection always
High-Tensile Wire
High-tensile wire breaks with more force than standard wire, requires specialized tools, and causes more severe injuries when failure occurs. Eye protection is especially critical. Consider a face shield, and never cut tensioned high-tensile wire.
Barbed Wire
Barbed wire causes lacerations when handling and carries infection risk from dirty wire. Wear long sleeves and eye protection, and keep your tetanus vaccination current.
Cutting and Splicing Hazards
Wire Cutters and Pliers
These cause hand strain from repetitive use, and cut wire fragments fly unpredictably. Use proper size tools for the wire gauge, wear safety glasses, and bend cut ends to prevent injuries.
Fencing Staples
Eye injuries are common with staples, and they're difficult to remove when bent. Don't reuse bent staples, and keep your face away from the impact zone.
Electric Fence Hazards
Electrical Safety
Most electric fences aren't lethal to healthy adults, but they can be dangerous to those with pacemakers or heart conditions. The shock can cause falls leading to injury.
Verify the fence is de-energized before touching it. Post warning signs on electric fences, never work on electric fence during storms, and keep children aware of electric fences.
Energizer Safety
Proper grounding is essential. Keep connections clean and tight, protect the energizer from weather and livestock, and test regularly for proper function.
Physical Strain and Ergonomics
Repetitive Motion
Wire stretching, staple driving, and pulling and lifting all create repetitive strain. Alternate tasks when possible, use proper body mechanics, use mechanical aids when available, and don't push through pain.
Lifting and Carrying
Posts, tools, equipment, and post drivers all add up over a day of fence work. Use equipment to move materials, keep loads close to your body, avoid twisting while lifting, and know your limits.
Heat Exposure
Fence work often happens in Texas summer.
- Plan work for cooler hours
- Hydrate continuously
- Take shade breaks
- Watch for heat illness symptoms
- Don't work alone in extreme heat
Vehicle and Transport Safety
Loading and Unloading Materials
Wire rolls can shift and roll, posts can slide during braking, and T-posts are especially hazardous with their sharp ends. Cover T-post ends or point them down, load wire rolls so they can't roll, and use an appropriate vehicle for the load.
Driving on Fence Lines
Hazards include wire if you get too close, holes and washouts, and gates and crossings. Watch for old wire and debris, know the terrain, and follow all ATV safety rules.
Working with Others
Communication
Use verbal confirmation before actions, assign clear roles for each person, and stop work if communication fails.
Bystanders
Children should not be in the work area. Visitors should stay at a safe distance.
Emergency Preparedness
Common Fence Work Injuries
The most frequent injuries are punctures from barbs and staples, eye injuries from debris, struck-by injuries, and heat illness.
Carry water for wound washing, a means to call for help, and keep your tetanus shot up to date.
If Wire Snaps
Don't approach loose wire until it's stable. Assess for embedded fragments and seek medical attention for significant injuries.
Bottom Line
Wire under tension is dangerous, so never stand in line with it. Eye protection is essential because wire and debris fly unpredictably. Keep your hands clear of post drivers, since impact zones are crushing zones, and barbed wire demands leather gloves every single time.
Call 811 before digging because underground utilities can kill. Electric fences must be de-energized before any work begins. Take breaks and hydrate, because fence work is physically demanding. And don't work alone, especially for wire tensioning or in remote areas where help is far away.
