Tractor accidents on farms cause the highest number of fatalities with tractor overturns accounting for 44 percent of all tractor fatalities.
1. Know your tractor, its implements and how they work. Also, keep your equipment in good condition.
2. Use roll over protective structures (ROPS) and seat belt whenever and wherever applicable. If your tractor has a foldable ROPS, fold it down only when absolutely necessary and fold it up and lock it again as soon as possible. Do not wear the seat belt when the ROPS is folded. Most tractor fatalities are caused by overturns.
3. Be familiar with your terrain and work area. Use special caution on slopes, slow down for all turns and stay off the highway whenever possible.
4. Never start and engine in a closed shed or garage. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless and deadly.
5. Always keep your power take-off (PTO) properly shielded. Make it a habit to walk around your tractor and PTO driven implement, never over, through or between the tractor and implement, particularly if either is running.
TRACTOR SAFETY TIPS
Carle Foundation Hospital | Center for Rural Health and Farm Safety |Tractor Safety, Continue
6. Keep your hitches low and always on the drawbar. Otherwise, your tractor might flip over backwards.
7. Never get off a moving tractor or leave it with its engine running. Shut it down before leaving the seat. A runaway tractor can be extremely dangerous.
8. Never refuel while the engine is running or hot. Additionally, do not add coolant to the radiator while the engine is hot. Hot coolant can erupt and scald.
9. Keep all children off and away from your tractor and its implements at all times. Remember, a child�s disappointment is fleeting, while your memory of the child�s injury or death, will last a lifetime.
10. Never be in a hurry or take chances about anything you do with your tractor. Think safety first, then take your time and do it right.
