Over the past ten years there have been more farm workers killed by tractors than by quad bikes, side-by-sides, motorcycles, trucks, utes and augers combined. WorkSafe are working with the agriculture industry to develop more practical resources to keep farm owners and farm workers safe on tractors.
Almost 35% of all Victorian farm deaths occurred whilst driving or working around tractors, accounting for more than half of the 66% of farm deaths caused by powered plant and equipment in total, with rollovers and entanglements a common mechanism of injury and death.
Poor tractor stability is a lead factor in fatal tractor rollovers. Controls built into safe operating procedures can reduce the risk of rollover:
- keep the centre of gravity in the area between the tractor wheels
- use weight or ballast to keep the tractor stable, based on the manufacturer guidelines
- match the attachment to the tractor to reduce tipping
- check for proper and secure hitching
- set the tyres for stability
- fit and use rollover protective structures (ROPS) including the seatbelt
WorkSafe publishes free guidance on how to identify, manage and reduce the risk of tractor related incidents:
· Tractors | WorkSafe Victoria
· Safe use of tractors with attachments: A handbook for workplaces | WorkSafe Victoria
· Tractor stability | WorkSafe Victoria
· Tractor roll-over protection requirements | WorkSafe Victoria
· Farm machinery | WorkSafe Victoria
Read more: Tractors are top cause of farm deaths | WorkSafe Victoria