Dee Jepsen
Dawn Handrosh
Thomas L. Bean
Most accidents occur within the agriculture industry. On farms, tractors cause the most injuries. A tractor is not a toy! They have important jobs to do around the farm. You should never play around them or on them.
Rollovers and runovers are the two main types of tractor accidents. Tractors can roll over if the driver makes a fast or sudden turn. Unbalanced weight on the tractor may cause it to tip on steep hills. Rollovers can also occur in flat fields when the tractor gets too close to a ditch and the tire slips down the side. Sometimes rollovers happen when trailing equipment is not hooked up correctly, causing the tractor to become unbalanced and flip over backwards.
All tractors should have a Roll-Over Protective Structure. Sometimes nick-named a ROPS, the Roll-Over Protective Structure looks like a giant roll bar for tractors. It protects the driver if the tractor were to tip over. Sometimes you cannot see the ROPS, especially if it is built into the tractor's cab. A seat belt must be worn with all ROPS designed tractors. It will keep the driver in the seat and prevent him from being thrown from the tractor. It is required just like the seat belt in a car.
The second type of a tractor accident is called a runover. Runovers occur when the driver or passenger falls off the farm equipment and is run over by the tractor or trailing machinery. You can fall off equipment when the tractor hits a bump, stops suddenly, or turns too fast. Never ride on a tractor with anyone. Fenders, drawbars, and steps are not safe places to sit while the tractor is moving. Tractors are designed with one seat, and this is for the driver. You should practice the motto "No Extra Riders."
Runovers can occur even if you are not riding on the tractor. You should never approach a piece of working equipment. Tractors are big pieces of machinery and can be very noisy. The driver may not see or hear you approach. If the driver does not know that you are there, he may back over you, or crush you between the equipment and tractor.
The Power Take-Off shaft, commonly called a PTO, is a very dangerous area on the tractor. A PTO is located at the rear of the tractor and spins at a very rapid speed. It provides power to the attached farm equipment. Long hair, loose clothing, untied shoes or other bulky clothes can easily get caught in a rotating PTO shaft. These accidents can happen before you have a chance to pull away. In less than 3 seconds, you will be completely wrapped up in the shaft. PTOs injure thousands of people each year, and most do not survive. You should stay away from the Power Take-Off at all times.
Play safely around the barnyard. Never take joy rides on tractors or approach working equipment. Adults set rules to protect you from danger. Respect the rules and stay safe!
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Over 300 kids are killed each year on farms and thousands are injured! As a parent you are given the responsibility of making your farm safe for children. A set of safety rules should be established and followed by all family members and employees. Never allow children to play or ride on any piece of equipment. Children do not have the physical strength to hang on when a tractor makes a sudden turn or when it hits a bump. Establish and practice the motto "No Extra Riders." Most children who are run-over by tractors or equipment are innocent bystanders; injuries occur to kids when they enter a work area without the adult knowing they are there. |
1) Freeman, S. Preventing Rural Childhood Injuries. 4-H 823. Purdue University Extension Service, West Lafyette, IN
2) Miller, R. (1995). Fun Farm Facts About Farm Equipment. IA: Dyersville.
3) Pfister, R., Mack, L. and Canja, E. Tractor Safety. 191F.5. Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Bulletin, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
Reviewed by: Marcia Todd, OSU Extension,Columbiana County; Todd White, age 11; Peter Kircher, age 7.
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Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
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