Tips for Tractor Safety
Tractor injury incidents account for nearly 16% of the agricultural machinery-involved injuries from 1991 through 1994.
Tractor Operator Responsibilities
Most accidents are caused, directly or indirectly, by carelessness and unnecessary hurry.There are eight primary responsibilities the safe tractor operator must meet whenever the tractor is used. In addition, owners and operators of tractors need to know that it is their responsibility to maintain safety decals in good condition. Owners are responsible for providing safe equipment for their employees.
Responsibilities
- Proper Maintenance - Make sure all safety equipment and tractor parts are working properly.
- Pre-Operation Checks
- Avoid Injury-Incident Situations Maintains Safety Features
- Uses Tractor as Intended
- Refuel Safely
- Start and Stop Safely
- Adjust the Tractor for Safety
- Recognize Dangerous Situations and Make Changes
Roll Over Protective Structures (ROPS)
It is nearly impossible to buy a new tractor without a ROPS already installed, along with seat-belts. But many farms and ranches have a ready supply of older tractors without ROPS. Many of them can be equipped with a retrofit ROPS, but the value of the tractor isn't considered enough to warrant the expense. A more important question is, does the life of the operator who drives that tractor warrant the expense of the ROPS?
An important part of the ROPS is the seat belt that keeps the operator within the safety envelope. The seat belt works, but only if it is worn. Foldable ROPS are now available on most new tractors. They should be folded only when needed to enter or clear an overhead obstruction. When the ROPS is in the folded position the seatbelt should not be worn since the ROPS is not effective in that position. Always secure the ROPS in the upright position as soon as possible after the close clearance work is done.
