What is in this article?:
- Tractor rollovers deadliest injury incident on farms
- Three types of ROPS
- Tractor rollovers are the single deadliest type of injury incident on farms and it is reported that of the 4.7 million tractors in the U.S. today alone, one-half of them are without rollover protection for the operator.
- A tractor can turn over suddenly and if it is not equipped with a ‘Rollover Protection Structure’ (ROPS) and a seatbelt there is a good chance the tractor could crush the driver. ROPS are compartment structures (usually cabs or frames) intended to protect equipment operators from injuries caused by vehicle overturns.
Three types of ROPS
There are three types of ROPS frames available – a two-post frame; a four-post frame and an enclosed ROPS cab. There are even foldable ROPS available for those tractors that are housed in smaller spaces. The cost runs around $765. Many programs have been developed to not only help farmers find ROPS, but also provide rebates to offset some of the cost.
“We urge farmers to do this before growing seasons begin,” Wolf said. “We’re trying to get a retrofit rebate program in place here in Maryland. However, whether or not a ROPS rebate program is in place where they live we urge farmers in the U.S., and around the world, to make sure their tractor has a ROPS and not only fitted with a seat belt, but that they use that seat belt with the ROPS. You just never know what can happen.”
National Ag Safety Database figures show that the use of ROPS and a seat belt is estimated to be 99 percent effective in preventing death or serious injury in the event of a tractor rollover.
To prevent injuries and to enhance safety for farmers, children and their families, Wolf urges farmers have ROPS put on their tractors, use the seatbelt and make sure the new tractor they purchase is properly equipped with ROPS and a seat belt.
To help address hazards posed by agricultural work, ASSE established an Agricultural Branch as a part of the ASSE Environmental Practice Specialty, to provide a forum for safety, health and environmental professionals in the agricultural industry to network and gain knowledge regarding best practices in safety and health issues affecting agricultural production operations of all sizes; including seed production, agricultural chemicals, transportation, equipment safety, compliance and enforcement.
To learn more information about agricultural safety and health and to view ASSE’s farm safety facts for rural areas, farm safety and health tips, and farm safety tips for young workers visit http://www.asse.org/newsroom/safetytips/farmsafetytips.php or Practice Specialties’ Agricultural Branch http://www.asse.org/practicespecialties/ag-safety where you can also view the new ASSE Agricultural Branch newsletter.
Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE is celebrating its 100th anniversary and is the oldest professional safety organization. ASSE is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its more than 32,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members lead, manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor, health care and education.