1. BEYOND THE WHEEL AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS ON THE FARM

2. Learning Objectives Understand hazards associated with the tractor –Rollovers Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) –Run overs By Pass Starting –PTO’s Review lighting and marking for tractors Examine roadway safety

3. Hazard Groups Tractor hazards can be grouped into three categories –Rollovers –Runovers –Power Take-Off Entanglement

4. Tractor Rollovers Most farm-work fatalities. –Approximately 100 deaths annually Causes of Rollovers –Turning or driving too close to the edge of a bank or ditch –Driving too fast on rough roads and lanes and running or bouncing off the road or lane –Hitching somewhere other than the drawbar when pulling or towing objects –Driving a tractor straight up a slope that is too steep –Turning a tractor sharply with a front-end loader raised high

5. Tractor Rollovers: Stability Drawings Courtesy of The Pennsylvania State University Tractor Stability based on Center of Gravity

6. The Point of No Return Drawings Courtesy of The Pennsylvania State University

7. Tractor Rollovers: Stability Tractor Stability based on Center of Gravity Center of Gravity with Loader/ Attachments Drawing Courtesy of Virginia Cooperative Extension

8. Tractor Rollover Prevention Slow down on steep slopes, rough ground and sharp turns Keep wheels spread wide whenever possible Counter-balance weight (front and rear) for more stability Stay clear of ditches, embankments and large obstacles (stumps)

9. Tractor Rollover Prevention Always hitch the load to the tractor draw bar Travel with the bucket low at all times Lock brake pedals together for road travel Know the controls of the tractor Have ROPS installed and wear seatbelt (only with ROPS)

10. Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) Estimated of 5,000,000 tractors built before ROPS became standard There have been over 14,000,000 tractors with ROPS and seat belts sold in North America.

11. Run overs Second leading cause of tractor-related fatalities. Main Causes: –Extra riders falling from the steps, cab or drawbar –Inability to see small children and other people in the line of travel –By-pass starting –Backing the tractor toward machinery to be attached

12. Run overs - Prevention Ensure area is all-clear before moving the tractor Not allow children to play in areas where tractors (and other machinery) are operating Controlling speed, especially in high traffic areas (farm buildings) No by-pass starting (install shield) Proper parking (motor off, brakes engaged, keys removed and any attachments disengaged)

13. Dangers of Extra Riders May fall off fenders Cab doors sometimes bounce open and rider could fall out Extra riders may fall into PTO or into path of wheels or towed implements May distract the operator from their driving

14. Power Take-Off (PTO) Shafts Another major hazard on the farm –PTO stub normally turns between 540 and 1,000 revolutions per minute. –All tractors should have a PTO master shield to protect the tractor operator and helpers. Provides power to an attachment or separate machine –Tractors engine provides energy

15. PTOs Injuries Loose clothing or hair can get entangled in the PTO –Injuries could result in death –Can range from lacerations, amputations, and multiple fractures –Spine and neck injuries are common

16. Prevention Inspect PTO shaft and stub before operation Ensure that all shielding remains in place Do not wear loose clothing when operating Stop the PTO when dismounting the vehicle Keep your distance when in operation

17. Lighting and Marking SMV emblem Lighting / Marking for tractors

18. Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) Emblem Visible to rear at 1000’ Point up  10 degrees from vertical 2 to 10 feet above the ground In center of vehicle or as near left- center as possible Readily identifiable both day and night –Undamaged –non-faded –clean

19. SMV Emblem

20. Lighting and Marking Points Amber/yellow marks the front Red marks the rear If the towed vehicle prohibits its view, place it on the towed vehicle Use at least what is required; however, You can use too much Maintenance

21. Lighting and Marking Points

22. Reducing Risks of Road Travel Move equipment at off-peak hours when possible Use escort vehicle when possible Install and use warning and signal lights Clean, non-faded SMV emblem displayed Use proper Lighting and marking

23. Reducing Risks of Road Travel Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) Wear seat belt if using ROPS Lock brakes together Keep loads low Stay alert - for traffic and roadside obstacles

24. Summary Tractors are very complex machines. Because of this it’s important to know and understand the risks. It’s also key to understand what can happen if preventative measures are not taken. Proper lighting and marking & (SMV) should be used. Ensure your safety and others when traveling on the road.

25. References Agricultural Accident and Rescue Binder –1983 by the Pennsylvania State University Farm Rescue: Responding to Incidents and emergencies in Agricultural Settings –NRAES – 10 1999 Revision Farm Safety Emergency Care –Consolidated by Mark Urquhart First Aid on the Farm Farm EMS Presentation –Erika Kube, MD Department of Emergency Medicine; The Wexner Medical Center Preventing Tractor Runovers –http://www.extension.org/pages/67752/preventing-tractor-runover-incidents#.UqYHeY155is Vehicle Hazards –https://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/agriculturaloperations/vehiclehazards.html

26. For More Information OSU Ag Safety & Health The Ohio State University Ag Engineering Building 590 Woody Hayes Drive Columbus, Ohio 43210-1057 Email: jepsen.4@osu.edu Phone: 614-292-6008 Website: agsafety.osu.edu

27. This project was supported by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Rural Health and Safety Education Grant Program- grant number 2012- 46100-20144.