This document discusses tractor safety hazards and how to operate tractors safely. The five key mechanical hazards are roll-overs, run-overs, PTO hazards, mounting/dismounting, and noise. The five human factors that contribute to hazardous operation are risk taking behavior, insufficient training, physical limitations, impaired functions, and psychological limitations. The three main environmental hazards are broken ground, sloping ground, and climatic influences. The document provides guidance on controlling risks from each of these hazards.

1. Operate tractors

2. Characteristics of different types of
tractors
• Two-wheel drive
• Four-wheel drive
• Front wheel assist
• Articulated tractors
• Steering systems
• Other variations

3. TYPES OF TRACTORS
Two wheel drive

4. Front- wheel assist

5. Four wheel drive (articulated)

6. Tracked tractors

7. Risk assessment
• Identify hazards
• Assess the risks
• Control the risks

8. Mechanical hazards
Most tractor-related deaths are the result of
mechanical hazards
A mechanical hazard is any “machine” factor that may
put the operator and bystanders at risk of injury.
The 5 key mechanical hazards are :
• Roll-overs
• Run-overs
• PTO hazards
• Mounting/dismounting
• Noise

9. Tractor Run Over
A major source of injury is falling off and being run over by
the tractor and/or the equipment that they are pulling.
These accidents can be caused by:
• Being thrown off when running over a
hidden hole, ditch or stump
• Passengers falling off
• Starting the tractor while standing
beside it on the ground
• Slipping on steps or platform while
mounting or dismounting

10. To prevent
tractor run
over
Insist that the
operator is the only
person on the
vehicle
ie No passengers

11. Only ever start
the tractor
while sitting in
the operator’s
seat
Never attempt to
start or operate
the tractor while
standing on the
ground

12. Mount and
dismount
stationary
tractors only.
Use the safe
access platform
Never attempt to
mount or dismount a
moving tractor.
Always shut off the
engine and apply the
parking brake before
dismounting the
tractor

13. Do not jump
off the
tractor
Wear work
boots in good
condition with
non-slip soles

14. Keep steps and
platform clean
and clear of
tools, loose
parts or general
junk

15. Always check the
immediate area for
bystanders before
starting the
tractor.
Always wear the
seat belt when
operating the
tractor. Use of the
seat belt with an
approved ROPS
maximises driver
protection

16. Be constantly on
the lookout for
hazards such as
stumps and low
hanging branches.
They may dislodge
the operator form
the tractor seat.

17. Tractor roll overs
The main causes of tractor sideways roll overs
are:
• Traversing a steep slope
• Cornering too sharply or too fast
The main causes of back flip roll overs are:
• Driving off in low gear but with high engine
speed
• Rapid acceleration (particularly when driving
uphill or pulling a heavy load)
• attempting to drive forward when the wheels
are unable to move forward (bogged)
• Rapid engagement of the clutch

18. To control the risk of tractor roll over – use
Roll-over Protection Structures (ROPS)
Two post – standard protection,
for general field work
Four post – standard protection,
for general field work

19. Fold-down – for orchard or
confined works, such as
undercover parking and
glasshouses
Enclose cab – standard
protection, for general field
work. Controlled environment;
controls climate, comfort and
noise

20. The ROPS is designed so that most roll-overs cannot roll over more than
90 °.
The safety triangle shown in the picture shows where the driver can be
safely protected of the tractor rolls over. If the driver wears a seatbelt
and hangs on tightly to the steering wheel, there is a good chance of
remaining within the safety triangle if the tractor rolls over.

21. Sideways rollovers
Tipping axis
The tipping axis is the line that the tractor
pivots about when it tips over. In a trawler
tractor this is the outside edges of the
track.

22. Look at the diagram to see the
tipping axis of a wheeled tractor

23. Centre of gravity
This is the point where all parts of the tractor balance.
The position of the centre of gravity changes of any
implement as added, removed or changes position.

24. An overturn resulting from the centre of
gravity moving outside the tipping axis

25. Centrifugal
Force
Centrifugal force is
introduced when a
tractor corners too
fast. It tries to pivot
the tractor on its
outside wheels during
cornering.

26. Rearward roll overs
(back flips)
Rear axle torque
This is the transfer of energy between the engine and
the rear wheels of the tractor. If the rear wheels
can’t move (as when bogged) the tractor can flip over.

27. Drawbar
leverage
This describes the
forces trying to pull
the tractor rearwards
when it is towing or
pulling an object. The
effects on tractor
stability vary according
to the weight, draft,
hitching point used,
resistance to movement
and angle of pull

28. Tractor
ballasting
Some implements can impose
heavy downward forces on
the tractor drawbar. This
causes additional weight to
be added to the rear of the
tractor and increase the
weight transfer.
Cast iron weight or water in
the tyres can act as a
tractor ballast to counteract
this weight transfer,
The main purpose of tractor
ballasting is to reduce wheel
slip and increase tyre
traction. Adding weight to
the front increases steering
stability.
When adding ballast, do not
exceed the manufacturer’s
recommendation.

29. PTO hazards
Accidents involving entanglement can occur with
the PTO when
• Shields that cover the PTO shaft are missing
or damaged.
• attempting to service, adjust or clean a PTO
driven implement when the PTO is still engaged
• While attempting to step over an operating
PTO shaft
• By operating the PTO at the incorrect speed
• When the telescopic portion of the implement
PTO shaft separates and allows the powered
end to flail about and injure those nearby

30. Prevent PTO accidents
• Keep all components of PTO
systems shielded and guarded
• Regularly test PTO master guard
and shaft guards by spinning and
rotating them, to ensure they
have not become stuck to the
shaft.
• Disengage PTO and shut off
engine BEFORE dismounting to
clean, repair, service, or adjust
machinery.
• Keep universal joints in phase,
always use the PTO shaft
recommended for your
machinery

31. • Walk around tractors and machinery.
Never step over a rotating shaft

32. • Position the tractor’s draw bar properly
for each machine used
• Reduce PTO shaft damage by avoiding
tight turns that pinch rotating shafts
between the tractor and machine
• Keep excessive telescoping to a minimum
• Engage PTO gradually

33. Don’t operate the
PTO universal
joints past 30°
because the
universal may be
damaged or lock.

34. Get on and off the tractor safely
• Keep steps and
platform clean
and dry
• Wear heavy tread
nonslip type work
boots
• Keep three points
of contact

35. Mount and dismount
safely
•Always face the tractor
when mounting and
dismounting
•Never jump from the
tractor; you could catch your
clothing on pedals, levers or
other protruding parts
•use handrails, handholds and
steps to pull yourself up to
the operator’s platform. Try
to keep three points of
contact on the machine –
either two hands an done
foot, or two feet and one
hand

36. Always ensure the
tractor is in
neutral, clutch
depressed and
handbrake applied
before starting the
engine.
Be aware that the
use of jumper leads
may bypass neutral
start switches.

37. Protect your
hearing
•Deafness caused by noise
if permanent, however it
is preventable
•Dangerous noise levels
are greater that 85dB
over an 8 hour period and
any noise levels above
115dB
To prevent ear damage
•Purchase equipment with
the lowest noise rating
•Regularly inspect and
maintain tractors and
farm machinery
•Use personal hearing
protection to reduce noise
to a safe level

38. Human factors – the risks
The five human factors that may
contribute to hazardous tractor
operation are:
• Risk taking behaviour
• Inadequate safety training
• Physical limitations
• Impaired function
• Psychological limitations

39. Risk taking behaviour
•Poor safety attitude
•Excessive speed
•Carrying of passengers
•Taking shortcuts
Insufficient safety training
•Unsafe work practices (eg incorrect
hitching)
•Poor guarding of machinery (ROPS and
PTO guards)
•Lack of awareness of hazards and their
control options
Physical limitations
•Age
•Reaction time
•Strength
•Body size
•Vision
•Hearing

40. Impaired body function
•Fatigue
•Effects of drugs, alcohol and
tobacco
•Chemicals
•Illness
•Environmental effect on the body
(temperature and humidity)
Psychological limitations
•Personality
•Temperament
•Anxiety and stress
•Apathy
•Preoccupation
•Anger and frustration

41. Environmental hazards
During tractor operation, there are three
key environmental hazards:
• Broken ground
• Sloping ground
• Climatic influences

42. Travelling on
broken ground
•Travel slowly so you can
safely negotiate any
hazard
•Watch out for creeks
and gully banks. They can
collapse under the weight
of the tractor if you drive
too close. As a general
rule, never drive any
closer to the bank that
the gully is deep.
•Have a good look and
mark hazards in the
paddock: stones, stumps,
logs, gullies, wash-outs
and creek beds.

43. Travelling on sloping
ground
Tractors have a high centre of
gravity and are relatively
unstable on sloping ground. High
speed combined with slope
multiplies the risk.
The risk of overturn is
increased when objects are
struck when crossing hill slopes.
To control the risk:
•Set wheels as wide as possible
and carry loads as low as
possible
•Always reverse up a steep hill.
This positions the tractor in its
most stable position.

44. •Go slowly across slopes
Make turns as gradual and
slowly as possible
•Keep off-set implements
on the up-hill side of the
tractor where possible
•Monitor the ground for
obstructions and
depressions so you can
avoid then when travelling
across slopes.

45. Climatic influences
Hot and humid weather may expose the
driver to heat stress, sunburn or heat
stroke, leading to an increase in
accident rates.
In cold conditions the operator need to
wear bulky clothing which may restrict
movement and are more likely to become
caught in machinery parts.

46. Controlling climatic risks
• Drink adequate water
• In hot weather use a tractor with a
shade canopy or preferably an air
conditioned cab
• Cover-up with a long sleeve cotton shirt
with collar, broad brim hat, sun screen
and sunglasses
• Wear clothing that is close fitting to
avoid catching on machinery.

47. Tractor safety Summary
The 5 key mechanical hazards are:
• Roll-overs
• Run-overs
• PTO hazards
• Mounting/dismounting
• Noise
The 5 key human hazards are:
• Risk taking behaviour
• Inadequate safety training
• Physical limitations
• Impaired function
• Psychological limitations
The 3 key environmental hazards are:
• Broken ground
• Sloping ground
• Climatic influences

48. Remember!
• Identify the hazard
• Assess the risk
• Control the risk
Work safely