Tractor Safety

6 Tractor Safety Guidelines A. Introduction Tractors have contributed immensely to farm productivity. Over the years, manufacturers have added many safety features such as seat belts, roll over protection structures (ROPS), and power take- off (PTO) guards. Although today’s tractors are safer than previous models, they are still involved in farm accidents. A well-trained operator, aware of the potential hazards will help minimize this risk. Why Does Tractor Safety Matter? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, tractor accidents accounted for 40 percent of farm fatalities in 2017. Tractor overturns were the leading cause of death for these farmers and farm workers, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2018). According to the National Agriculture Safety Database, 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 tractor roll overs. Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) and Iowa State University (ISU) want to ensure the safety of employees using tractors or tractor operated equipment. Please carefully read the precautionary guidelines and contact EH&S if you have further questions.