4 year old tractor passenger killed

[Jaylegger]

I quick check indicates farm equipment tractor deaths are about 3 times motor vehicle deaths per 100,000, not too bad considering the vastly different environments of operation. During my search I came across this little list of farm safe operating instructions which by all accounts seems pretty reasonable and for the most part nothing more than what most would consider common sense and likely follow even without specific knowledge of such a list.

"Following safe operating instructions would go a long way to limiting farm tractor accidents. CES lists nine safety practices of tractor operation that are part of federal standards. They are:

* Securely fasten the seatbelt if the tractor has one AND a ROPS. Older tractors without ROPS's are not supposed to have seatbelts, allowing the operator to jump free if the tractor rolls.
* Operators should avoid holes, ditches and other embankments.
* Lower speed should be used during turns, crossing slopes or on slippery or muddy terrain.
* Steep slopes require extra care. Go down them slowly. If you have to go up them, go backwards slowly. Avoid going across a slope.
* When pulling equipment be especially careful of rocks, trees and other obstructions.
* Never allow a passenger to ride on the tractor unless there is an extra seat with a seatbelt under the ROPS. Also, do not carry passengers on equipment or in a bucket loader.
* Maintain smooth operation without jerky movements.
* Use correct hitch points to avoid backwards flips.
* Turn the tractor off and set the brakes before getting off.


I'm certain most here would agree these precautions are reasonable and are typically followed by everyone when operating a tractor in a an effort to minimize risk and maximize not maiming or killing yourself and others. Each item listed useful and relevant for safe operation of a tractor. Or is that all except one?

 

[Duffster]

I quick check indicates farm equipment tractor deaths are about 3 times motor vehicle deaths per 100,000, not too bad considering the vastly different environments of operation. During my search I came across this little list of farm safe operating instructions which by all accounts seems pretty reasonable and for the most part nothing more than what most would consider common sense and likely follow even without specific knowledge of such a list.

"Following safe operating instructions would go a long way to limiting farm tractor accidents. CES lists nine safety practices of tractor operation that are part of federal standards. They are:

* Securely fasten the seatbelt if the tractor has one AND a ROPS. Older tractors without ROPS's are not supposed to have seatbelts, allowing the operator to jump free if the tractor rolls.
* Operators should avoid holes, ditches and other embankments.
* Lower speed should be used during turns, crossing slopes or on slippery or muddy terrain.
* Steep slopes require extra care. Go down them slowly. If you have to go up them, go backwards slowly. Avoid going across a slope.
* When pulling equipment be especially careful of rocks, trees and other obstructions.
* Never allow a passenger to ride on the tractor unless there is an extra seat with a seatbelt under the ROPS. Also, do not carry passengers on equipment or in a bucket loader.
* Maintain smooth operation without jerky movements.
* Use correct hitch points to avoid backwards flips.
* Turn the tractor off and set the brakes before getting off.


I'm certain most here would agree these precautions are reasonable and are typically followed by everyone when operating a tractor in a an effort to minimize risk and maximize not maiming or killing yourself and others. Each item listed useful and relevant for safe operation of a tractor. Or is that all except one?

No more than one, I ignore the first and last one regularly as well.

 

[TripleR]

I quick check indicates farm equipment tractor deaths are about 3 times motor vehicle deaths per 100,000, not too bad considering the vastly different environments of operation. During my search I came across this little list of farm safe operating instructions which by all accounts seems pretty reasonable and for the most part nothing more than what most would consider common sense and likely follow even without specific knowledge of such a list.

"Following safe operating instructions would go a long way to limiting farm tractor accidents. CES lists nine safety practices of tractor operation that are part of federal standards. They are:

* Securely fasten the seatbelt if the tractor has one AND a ROPS. Older tractors without ROPS's are not supposed to have seatbelts, allowing the operator to jump free if the tractor rolls.
* Operators should avoid holes, ditches and other embankments.
* Lower speed should be used during turns, crossing slopes or on slippery or muddy terrain.
* Steep slopes require extra care. Go down them slowly. If you have to go up them, go backwards slowly. Avoid going across a slope.
* When pulling equipment be especially careful of rocks, trees and other obstructions.
* Never allow a passenger to ride on the tractor unless there is an extra seat with a seatbelt under the ROPS. Also, do not carry passengers on equipment or in a bucket loader.
* Maintain smooth operation without jerky movements.
* Use correct hitch points to avoid backwards flips.
* Turn the tractor off and set the brakes before getting off.


I'm certain most here would agree these precautions are reasonable and are typically followed by everyone when operating a tractor in a an effort to minimize risk and maximize not maiming or killing yourself and others. Each item listed useful and relevant for safe operation of a tractor. Or is that all except one?

Well, not everyone, I doubt I would have ever gotten a crop out if I had followed all of those nor would I be able to do the repair work needed on our farms now due to over 15" of rain.

I am NOT advising anyone else what to do, but no one I know who farms for a living follows all of these guidelines.

 

[Jaylegger]

There's no question that farmers often ignore safe work practices to get the job done, that combined with precarious work conditions is why the accident rate is high and why lists of safe work practices are developed. True efforts to get the job done no matter what combined with complacency surely isn't a good mix however and with that in mind those involved with these types of discussions regardless of your working habits will surely maintain a level safety awareness some others may not.

 

[TripleR]

There's no question that farmers often ignore safe work practices to get the job done, that combined with precarious work conditions is why the accident rate is high and why lists of safe work practices are developed. True efforts to get the job done no matter what combined with complacency surely isn't a good mix however and with that in mind those involved with these types of discussions regardless of your working habits will surely maintain a level safety awareness some others may not.

I don't necessarily accept that farmers "ignore safe work practices" as there are ways to mitigate many dangers such as dual wheels, wide stance, weight distribution and technique. Someone who operates tractors/equipment regularly will be able to safely accomplish a task a less experienced operator cannot.

The guidelines are certainly not all bad, but any blanket set of guidelines can never cover all situations. We have two hill farms and there is simply no way to farm or work on these properties without crossing slopes, going through ditches/washouts etc.

Try backing a batwing mower or other equipment up a "steep" slope (what is steep), sometimes it is simply not possible though I do so when possible.

Note, I haven't farmed in years and only put about 600-800 hours a year, so I certainly am not in the same class as many if not most really good operators, but I see the men who farm our land and others and you would not believe what they can do on a daily basis.

The majority of farm accidents of which I am familiar have been electrocutions, grain bins and reaching in to clear jams while roll overs are becoming pretty rare.

 

[indianaEPH]

I can't imagine have youngsters anywhere near working machinery. To be very bunt, it is irrisponsible. I feel sorry for any child that does has the misfortune to be around adults that take don't take this seriously .

 

[Qapla]

I can't imagine have youngsters anywhere near working machinery...

Just what is "working machinery"?

MACHINE-from the Latin word machina:
A machine is a device that uses energy to perform some activity. In common usage, the meaning is that of a device having parts that perform or assist in performing any type of work. A simple machine is a device that transforms the direction or magnitude of a force.

Historically, a device required moving parts to be classified as a machine; however, the advent of electronics technology has led to the development of devices without moving parts that many refer to as machines葉he computer being the most obvious example

Suffice it to say that if we take the idea that "youngsters" should be nowhere near "working machinery", then they should never ride in a car, use a washing machine/dryer or operate a computer.

Motor Vehicle 7,006 deaths per year

4-year-old girl killed in washing machine

The best prevention of child deaths is proper training and safety - not just having them avoid life. After all, they could die taking a bath (some do and have) so do we leave them dirty until they are grown?

 

[Lightnsound]

I read the other day about a poor child who choked on his dinner. That's why I will never feed my daughter again. Much safer that way. She says she's thirsty but I'm afraid she might drown in a cup of water.

 

[Jaylegger]

The best prevention of child deaths is proper training and safety - not just having them avoid life. After all, they could die taking a bath (some do and have) so do we leave them dirty until they are grown?

PROPER "training and safety" has been advising for years not to have kids ride on tractors unless outfitted with a second seat.

 

[Jaylegger]

I read the other day about a poor child who choked on his dinner. That's why I will never feed my daughter again. Much safer that way. She says she's thirsty but I'm afraid she might drown in a cup of water.

What does eating and choking have to do with an adult choosing to take their kids along for a ride on the tractor? Just imagine the number of fatalities and injuries if the numbers of kids who accompanied their father on the tractor equaled the numbers of those riding in cars or number of meals eaten. These types of comparisons are idiotic.