Play it safe, use care when operating a tractor
By Mike Klimenko
Farm Bureau Group Manager
In an annual agricultural ritual, farmers up and down the state are
firing up their tractors and preparing their fields for spring planting.
While most everyone is in agreement that a tractor is the most important
tool on the farm, it also is one of the most dangerous.
Did you know that nearly half of farm fatalities in the United States
each year involve tractors? Rollovers and runovers are most often cited
as the cause of these deaths. The most frequent victim is the farm's
operator, but other family members and farm employees are also frequent
victims.
Men over age 60 are in the highest risk category. But another grim
statistic is that 20 percent of these farm fatalities happen to children
under the age of 16, with most being victims of runovers.
As with most accidents, the likelihood of a tractor mishap can be
decreased substantially with some basic preventative measures and proper
training.
First off, it is important that anyone who operates a tractor should
first become familiar with the tractor's operating manual, paying
particularly close attention to the safety information.
Most tractor operators know the necessity of making sure the tractor
have sufficient fuel and oil, but they should also perform a safety
inspection before using the vehicle. Here's a quick checklist of some of
the most important safety elements:
* Brake pedal: Is the locking device functioning and are the
brakes properly adjusted?
* PTO shields and safety guards: Are they in place and in good
condition?
* Hitch: Are pins and bolts in place?
* Attached or mounted equipment? Is it securely fastened? Are
hitch pins correct size? Are sway blocks properly adjusted?
* Handrails, steps, platform: Are they clean and in good
condition?
* Tires: Are they in good condition? Is air pressure correct?
* Wheel bolts: Are they tight and not broken?
* Steering: Are connections tight?
* Exhaust system: Is it sound and leak-free?
* Fire extinguisher: Is it charged and easily accessible?
* First aid kit: Is it fully stocked and accessible?
When operating a tractor, remember that farm fields are loaded with
booby traps that can cause a tractor to flip and roll over. Require
everyone to drive at a safe speed because excessive speed causes many
accidents. Avoid ditches, embankments and holes and take extra care when
working on steep slopes. If you must travel on steep slopes, go in
reverse up the slope and forward down the slope. Do not travel across a
steep slope.
As farm and ranch operators, it is important to lead by example when it
comes to tractor safety. Take the time to be safe and insist that others
do the same.
Since 1943, Farm Bureau and State Fund have been business partners. When
your policy comes up for renewal, if you are not insured with State
Fund, please be sure to get a quote in our Farm Bureau Group Program.
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