Not much can get done on the farm today without a tractor, but working around tractors can result in some of the most serious injuries or deaths on the farm if care is not taken. Division of Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Specialist, John Shutske, highlights common scenarios on Wisconsin farms that frequently lead to accidents. More importantly, he tells us how to prevent those accidents.
Whether you’re a seasoned farming veteran or a newcomer to the field, taking a moment to review these safety protocols could save a life.
Common tractor accidents and prevention tips
1. Tractor rollovers
Rollovers remain the leading cause of death in tractor accidents, both backwards and sideways. While Wisconsin farmers have made massive strides over the last few decades thanks to Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS), many older machines are still operating without them.
Solution: If your tractor doesn’t have a ROPS, look into retrofitting it. Furthermore, be hyper-aware of your terrain. Any slope greater than 12 to 15 degrees is potentially dangerous. Avoid driving over hidden ruts, stumps, or rocks that could destabilize your machine.
2. PTO entanglements
Power Take-Off (PTO) shafts are incredibly powerful. A typical 45-horsepower tractor dwarfs’ human strength. If your clothing, or even a loose string from a sweatshirt, catches on a rotating shaft, you can be pulled in and rotated along with it within a second. Fatal incidents or severe injuries are inevitable.
Solution: Respect the power of the PTO. Keep all guards and shields in place, stay clear of operating shafts, and ensure no loose clothing or drawstrings can catch on to equipment.
3. Falls during mounting and dismounting
The most frequent cause of lost-time injuries on Wisconsin farms is simply falling while getting on or off equipment. Even falling a couple feet could result in a sprained ankle or broken leg.
Solution:
- Always utilize three points of contact. By maintaining three points of contact, you increase your stability by 50 percent.
- Never jump from the steps.
- Descend slowly to avoid sprained ankles and torn ligaments, which is an increased risk with age.
4. Extra riders
A common, yet tragic, mistake is allowing an extra person to ride on a tractor that isn’t designed for it. A small bump or a moment of distraction can lead to a fall and a catastrophic injury.
Solution: Stick to the “one seat, one rider” rule. If you own a newer tractor equipped with a buddy seat, remember it is designed for training an employee or an adult, not for children or infants. If you are using the buddy seat, ensure you are in a cab with the door closed and the seatbelt fastened.
5. Dangerous ground-starts
Trying to start an older tractor from the ground, rather than from the seat, is a recipe for disaster. If the tractor is left in gear, it can lunge forward the moment it turns over, potentially running over and crushing the operator.
Solution: Never attempt to start a tractor from the ground. Always climb into the seat, ensure the tractor is in neutral or park, and start it from the designated operator’s station.
Farming is a demanding profession, but no task is worth risking your health or life. By following these safety measures, you can help ensure that you, your family, and employees make it home safely at the end of every day.
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