Tractor Safety
Tractor-related injuries are preventable! Most farmworker injuries and deaths are caused by tractor incidents such as overturns, runovers, power take-off (PTO) systems, and unintended contact with tractor attachments or implements.
When operated properly, tractors are generally quite safe. Tractors that are old, in poor condition, lack safety guards and devices, or are driven in an irregular or risky manner can contribute significantly to unsafe or hazardous conditions.
Operating tractors can expose workers to outdoor heat, field dusts containing silica, pesticides, anhydrous ammonia (in fertilizer) and other substances that become airborne.
Employers can prevent these types of injuries by doing the following:
- Train tractor operators properly.
- Install rollover protection systems (ROPS) on all tractors.
- Ensure ROPS are always used correctly.
- Guard moving parts, especially Power Takeoffs (PTOs).
- Require the use of seat belts.
- Follow the manufacturers' requirements for safe use and operations.
Employers should also ensure that tractor operation safety is a part of an overall Accident Prevention Program (APP).
L&I rules
- Agriculture (Chapter 296-307, WAC).
- Guarding Power Transmission Machinery (Part P).
- Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) for Tractors (Part F).
- Vehicle and Farm Field Equipment(Part E).
L&I procedures, enforcement guidance and explanatory interpretations
- Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) and Low-Profile Tractors (DOSH Directive 33.20).
- Estructuras de protección contra volcaduras (ROPS) y tractores de perfil bajo (Directiva de DOSH 33.20) (Spanish version)
Safety training
- Is My Tractor a Low Profile Tractor? PowerPoint
- Rollover Protective Structures On Tractors PowerPoint
- Safe Operating Procedures for Tractors - SHIP Grant product videos in English & Spanish
Sample programs & guides
Videos
Videos to view online
- Tractor Rollovers (WorkSafe BC)
Fatality investigation reports, Hazard Alerts
- Family Dairy Farm Worker Dies When Tractor Rolls Down Embankment
- Hazards Associated with Using Farm Tractors to Move Large Bales (CDC.gov) (NIOSH).
- Hospitalization Hazard: Orchard Tractor Rollover
- Peligro de hospitalización: Volcaduras de tractores en huertos (Spanish version)
- Operator Killed in Tractor Rollover (Fatality Bulletin)
- See all SHARP tractor publications