machinery equipment safety – Page 2

May 17, 2019March 25, 2021

Preventing Tractor Overturn Incidents

Use the following format to cite this article:

Preventing tractor overturn incidents. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/68324/preventing-tractor-overturn-incidents.

Tractor overturn incidents can result in major injuries (crushing injuries, broken bones, and so on) and even death. The first step in preventing an injury or death is to make sure that your tractor is equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS) that, if used in conjunction with a seat belt, keeps the operator in a protective zone in the event of a rollover incident. Most rollover incidents can be prevented by understanding the causes of overturns and following safe operating practices.

There are two types of tractor rollover incidents: side and rear overturns.

Side Overturns

Ag Rescue Demo at APD

(Source: Pennsylvania State University, Ag Safety & Health)

Side overturns are the most common type of tractor overturn incident. In a side overturn incident, a tractor rolls onto its side. Preventing this type of incident is possible if the operator understands specific hazards and knows the appropriate time to apply safety precautions.

The two major factors at play in side overturn incidents are center of gravity and centrifugal force. The center of gravity (sometimes referred to as CG) is the location where all of the tractor’s weight is equally balanced. This point can change due to attachments and weight from a load, as when material is carried in a front-end loader. The center of gravity must remain within the tractor’s stability baseline for the tractor to remain in an upright position. A tractor’s stability baseline is found by drawing lines between the tractor’s four tires where the tires touch the ground. Centrifugal force is the force that pushes out on a tractor as the tractor makes a turn. (Click here to link to an eXtension article on tractor stability.)

Ways of preventing a side rollover incident include, but are not limited to, the following:

Braking properly
Avoiding shear line hazards
Keeping buckets low during transport
Driving at appropriate speeds
Using caution on sloped areas

Braking Properly

Before driving at transport speeds, lock the brake pedals together to provide even brake pressure. If you do not lock the brake pedals together and use only one brake pedal, the tractor could swerve and potentially roll over. When traveling with a load down a steep hill, shift your tractor to a lower speed before you begin your descent so that the engine does the majority of the braking.

Avoiding Shear Line Hazards

The soil on a bank or the shoulder of a ditch can be weak due to patterns of freezing and thawing or prolonged wet weather. Weak soil can collapse under pressure. The point at which soil is vulnerable to collapse is called a shear line. A shear line hazard exists when large vehicles such as combines operate close to a bank, putting pressure on soil inside the shear line and putting the vehicle at risk should the soil collapse. To avoid this overturn risk, drive your tractor as far back from the edge of the ditch or bank as the ditch is deep (see below). Maintain more distance for tractors pulling wide tillage or planting equipment (should a collapse occur under such equipment, the equipment could pull over the tractor or combine). When operating your tractor near a ditch or bank, always keep your tractor behind the shear line.

Shear Line

Keeping Buckets Low during Transport

Always keep the bucket of a front-end loader as low as possible during transport. A loader’s center of gravity in relation to the stability baseline changes drastically when the bucket is too high, especially on sloped areas, placing the loader at risk for an overturn.

Driving at Appropriate Speeds

Drive at a speed that is appropriate for a the given road or environmental conditions because increased speed reduces the stability of the tractor. By going at a slower speed, you will have greater time to spot obstructions in the path of the tractor and maintain better traction with the road (see below). It is also important to decrease your speed when you are pulling rear-mounted equipment to maintain stability.

Tipping Hazard

(Source: Pennsylvania State University, Ag Safety & Health)

Using Caution on Sloped Areas

Do not drive your tractor across steep slopes because the risk of a tractor overturn increases as the angle of the slope increases. If a task must be completed on a steep slope, use a tractor that has a wide front end and rear tires that are spaced as far apart as possible. When possible, back the tractor up a steep slope rather than driving uphill. When going down a steep hill, never travel at a speed faster than the speed you used going up. Centrifugal force is a significant factor when turning on slopes. When you need to make a turn while traveling on a steep slope, reduce your speed and turn downhill rather than uphill.

Pay close attention to any bumps or depressions when driving on a sloped surface, and keep your speed low when traveling on a sloped area. If you are using a side-mounted attachment on your tractor, make sure that the piece of equipment is on the uphill side of the tractor.

Rear Overturns

Rear Tractor Overturn Demo

(Source: Pennsylvania State University, Ag Safety & Health)

Rear overturns occur when the front end of a tractor flips backward, landing the top of the tractor on the ground. The incidents are dangerous because they happen very quickly. A tractor typically reaches the “point of no return” in less than a second, and the entire rear rollover incident can occur in one and a half seconds. This gives the operator little to no time to react to the situation.

A critical factor involved in rear rollover incidents is rear-axle torque. When the clutch is engaged on a two-wheel tractor, a twisting force (torque) to the rear axle results. This force is transferred to the tractor tires. Normally the rear axle and tires rotate and the tractor moves. However, if the rear axle is unable to move in response to the torque, the tractor chassis rotates about the axle. This energy transfer between the engine and the rear axle can result in the front-end of the tractor lifting off the ground until the tractor’s center of gravity passes the rear stability line. Once the center of gravity passes this point, the tractor continues rearward until it comes in contact with the ground.

Tractors with four-wheel drive are less susceptible to rear overturns because torque is applied to both the front and rear axles, and the center of gravity is moved forward because more weight is carried on the front axle. However, there is little difference between a two- and four-wheel drive tractor once the front end of the tractor begins to lift.

Operators face an increased risk of rear overturn in the following situations:

Freeing a stuck tractor
Raising rear-mounted equipment
Using a front-end loader
Hitching above the drawbar
Operating on an incline

Note that this list is not comprehensive.

Freeing a Stuck Tractor

On occasion, tractors become stuck in mud or in frozen ground. When this happens, first try to free the tractor by backing out. To aid in this process, you may need to dig dirt or mud from behind the rear wheels and unhitch equipment. If you are unable to back out, enlist the help of another tractor to pull the stuck tractor out from behind. If this is not possible, use the other tractor to pull the stuck tractor out from the front. When trying to free a stuck tractor, never place boards or blocks in front of the rear wheels because the wheels could suddenly catch and stop turning, possibly causing the tractor to rear up and tip backwards.

Raising Rear-Mounted Equipment

Add front-end weight to counteract the weight from raising heavy rear-mounted equipment.

Using a Front-End Loader

If you are installing a front-end loader, always use a loader designed specifically for your tractor. When moving materials in a front-end loader, the tractor becomes heavy toward the front, placing it at risk for an overturn incident. Due to the added weight from the loader and materials, you may need to add rear counterweights to the tractor or liquid ballast in the rear tires. Rear overturn incidents can be reduced by keeping the loader bucket as low as possible when transporting materials, especially when operating on a sloped area.

Hitching above the Drawbar

The risk of a rear overturn incident increases when you hitch above the tractor drawbar, which is specifically designed and located to pull loads. When you hitch to a location other than the drawbar (see below), you raise the angle at which the load pulls down and back, reducing the safety design of the tractor and increasing your risk of an overturn.

Drawbar hitching

Operating on an Incline

When pulling something up a hill with a tractor, both the slope and the pull on the drawbar make the tractor less stable. During operation, it is important to smoothly operate the clutch and throttle. Avoid stopping or shifting gears while on the hill because extra power is needed to restart the tractor and the tractor could drift backwards.

Resources

Click HERE to be directed to the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association website, where you can review actual tractor incidents and identify causes and safe operating procedures.

For more information about safe tractor operation and hazards, click on a title below to be directed to the article:

Power Take-Off Safety

Preventing Tractor Runover Incidents

Rollover Protective Structures

Use the following format to cite this article:

Sources

Agricultural tractor safety. (2011) Safe Workplace Promotion Services Ontario. No longer available online.

Baker, D. (2002) Safe tractor operation. University of Missouri Extension. Retrieved from http://extension.missouri.edu/p/g1960.

Murphy, D. (2014) Tractor stability and instability. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. Cooperative Extension. Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/tractor-stability-and-instability.

Smith, D. (2010) Safe tractor operation: Rollover prevention. Texas A & M System AgriLIFE Extension. Retrieved from http://agsafety.tamu.edu/files/2011/06/SAFE-TRACTOR-OPERATION-ROLLOVER1.pdf.

Tractors: Roll-over prevention. (2002) Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Retrieved from http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/tractors/rollover.html.

Reviewed and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

Tom Karsky, University of Idaho (Has since retired)

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)

Robert A. Schultheis, University of Missouri – schultheisr@missouri.edu

Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

May 17, 2019August 10, 2020

NSTMOP: Program Overview

HOSTA Logo

(Source: Pennsylvania State University – Ag Safety & Health Program)

The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) was developed through a collaborative effort involving Penn State University, Ohio State University, and the agricultural division of the National Safety Council. The project was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This program is now managed solely by Penn State.

The NSTMOP was originally developed and designed for 14- and 15-year-olds seeking employment in production agriculture. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order in Agriculture (AgHOs) regulation prohibits 14- and 15-year-olds from operating farm tractors and attached powered equipment unless the youths have successfully completed an approved safe tractor and machinery operation training program. For more information about these regulations, click HERE to visit the website of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Curriculum

In its third edition, this student manual provides in-depth information on what youth can expect when working on a farm, safety basics, agricultural hazards, how to operate a tractor, and how to handle materials, among other important topics. This latest edition features updated regulations, vibrant and detailed illustrations and photos, and an improved user-friendly layout, and includes:

An introduction to the NSTMOP
A program outline for the six modules
A driving test layout and evaluation form
A list of core competencies that each student should master
Instructional task sheets

While required for NSTMOP training courses, this manual is available to any adult or young person who wants to learn more about agricultural safety. To order the manual, visit Penn State Extension at https://extension.psu.edu/national-safe-tractor-and-machinery-operation-program-manual

Evaluation

Students must score a minimum of 70% on the written knowledge test and must successfully pass the skills and driving tests administered by the instructor.

Students

Instructors use NSTMOP task sheets for the 24 hours of intensive classroom instruction. After students complete the classroom training and pass the 50-question knowledge test with a minimum score of 70%, they are permitted to take the skills and driving tests. After successfully completing both the classroom and driving components, students receive a formal certificate that allows them to work for hire in agriculture as 14- and 15-year-olds. Click HERE for more information about the NSTMOP and what is expected of students to complete the program and earn a formal certificate.

Instructors

NSTMOP is administered nationally through the Cooperative Extension Service and agricultural education programs. To receive a listing of instructors from your state, send a request to nstmop@psu.edu. Click HERE for more information about becoming a NSTMOP instructor.

Reviewed and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – (has since retired)

Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

May 17, 2019April 6, 2023

NSTMOP: Instructor Information

HOSTA Hazardous Occupational Safety Training Agriculture logo

The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) is primarily a training program for 14- and 15-year-olds seeking employment in production agriculture. Completing the NSTMOP constitutes compliance with the training requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order in Agriculture (AGHOs) law. However, the curriculum of this program can also be used to teach new and inexperienced tractor operators of all ages and backgrounds how to safely operate farm tractors and other machinery. In addition, the curriculum provides an introduction to farm and ranch hazards and risks. When students that are 16 years of age and older complete the program, formal evaluation (the knowledge, driving, and skills tests) and the certificate of completion are not required. Instructors might nevertheless wish to take advantage of these components to add structure to their teaching.

Youth between the ages of 14 and 15 can be certified only by Cooperative Extension educators or by high school agriculture instructors (vocational agriculture teachers or agricultural science teachers). The signature of such an educator on the U.S. Department of Labor certificate indicates that a student has successfully passed all requirements of the training program. Only approved NSTMOP instructors can use the NSTMOP curriculum materials.

Instructor Requirements

To become an instructor, you must pass this course with a minimum score of 70%. Once certified, you will gain access to additional instruction materials, including the instructors’ manual, PowerPoints to help you teach safety materials, and more.

For those seeking to become a certified NSTMOP Instructor our new online course can be accessed at Instructor Training Course.

If you have questions about the program please email Linda Fetzer at lmf8@psu.edu or call 814-865-4582.

Student Curriculum

An introduction to the NSTMOP
A program outline for the six modules
A driving test layout and evaluation form
A list of core competencies that each student should master
Instructional task sheets

After the instruction is complete, each student must complete a 50-question knowledge test and obtain a minimum passing score of 70%. Students who successfully pass the knowledge test are then permitted to take the skills and driving tests. Upon successful completion of all parts of the NSTMOP, students receive a formal certificate of completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click HERE for frequently asked questions concerning the NSTMOP program. Any additional questions can be emailed to the NSTMOP office at nstmop@psu.edu.

Reviewed and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – (Has since retired)

Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

May 17, 2019August 10, 2020

NSTMOP: Student Information

Youth ages 14 and 15 years old seeking employment in production agriculture must comply with the training requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order in Agriculture (AgHOs) law. As part of meeting the training requirements, youth must complete an approved training program. The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) is a comprehensive program that consists of 24 hours of intensive instruction that incorporates the use of task sheets accompanied by skills and driving instruction. After completing classroom instruction, each student must complete a 50-question knowledge test and obtain a minimum passing score of 70%. Once a student successfully passes the knowledge test, he or she is then be permitted to take the program’s skills and driving tests. Upon successful completion of all parts of the NSTMOP, the student receives a formal certificate of completion from the NSTMOP.

To locate an NSTMOP instructor in your area, contact the NSTMOP office at nstmop@psu.edu.

Student Curriculum

An introduction to the NSTMOP
A program outline for the six modules
A driving test layout and evaluation form
A list of core competencies that each student should master
Instructional task sheets

Frequently Asked Questions

Click HERE to view a list of commonly asked questions concerning the NSTMOP program. Any additional questions can be emailed to the NSTMOP office at nstmop@psu.edu.

Reviewed and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – (has since retired)

Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

May 17, 2019March 25, 2021

Preventing Tractor Runover Incidents

Use the following format to cite this article:

Preventing tractor runover incidents. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/67752/preventing-tractor-runover-incidents.

The main types of tractor incidents include rollovers, power-take off entanglements, and runovers. Runover incidents that occur can involve either the operator or a bystander. Tractor manufacturers have made changes (e.g., safety start system) to reduce the risk of certain types of runover incidents. However, all types of runover incidents can be prevented by understanding the hazard and following specific safety recommendations.

Runover of Extra Rider

A runover incident can occur when an extra person on the tractor falls off the tractor and is run over by the tractor or an attachment. There should never be an extra rider on a tractor. The only exception is that a few newer, larger tractor models with an enclosed rollover protective structure (ROPS) cab have a factory-installed extra seat for temporary instructional purposes only. Most tractors used on farms and ranches only have one seat and that is for the operator only. Runover incidents can occur to a person who rides on the tractor drawbar, axle housing, side links of the three-point hitch, rear-wheel fender, or other area around the operator’s seat. When standing or sitting on one of these areas, a person can lose his or her grip, be thrown from the tractor, and be run over by the tractor or an implement.

Prevention Step:

Never allow an extra rider on a tractor.

Runover of Operator

A tractor runover incident can occur to the operator if he or she falls from the moving tractor and is run over by the tractor tire or an attachment. This type of incident can occur if the operator does not buckle the seat belt on a tractor with a ROPS or if an older tractor does not have a ROPS. An operator can be knocked out of the tractor seat by a tree branch or another obstacle. The operator can also lose balance if the tractor hits a tree stump or encounters rough terrain. An operator can be run over if he or she tries to mount or dismount a moving tractor.

Prevention Steps:

Never dismount or mount a tractor or machine while it is in motion.
Use tractors with a ROPS with seat belt, and fasten the seat belt every time you operate the tractor.
Slow down when driving on rough terrain or where hidden obstacles may exist.
Before leaving the tractor seat, always shut off the tractor and set the brake or place the tractor in PARK.
Make sure that the tractor’s brakes and clutch are in properly working condition.
Replace old pan-type seats with seats that have back and arm rests.

Runover of Person Located on the Ground due to Bypass Starting

A person located on the ground near the tractor can be involved in a tractor runover incident. This type of runover can happen to the operator or a bystander if someone attempts to start the tractor from the ground (e.g., bypass starting) and the tractor is in gear.

Prevention Steps:

Always start the engine from the operator’s seat.
Add or leave the bypass shield on the starter terminals.
Keep the tractor’s electrical system in good working condition.
Do not disable or wire around the safety interlocks installed by the manufacturer.
Always visually check in all directions for people around the tractor before moving the tractor.
Reduce your speed when operating the tractor in an area where people are located.
Instruct everyone how to get the attention of a tractor operator before approaching the tractor.
Provide a safe play area for children to keep them away from farm or ranch work areas.
Make sure that all children at your farm or ranch are properly supervised at all times.

Runover of Person Located on the Ground near the Tractor

Bystanders and children are at risk of a tractor runover incident if the operator does not see them. This is especially a concern if they approach a moving vehicle while it is hauling a load in a bucket or using a bale spear attached to the front or rear of the tractor and are knocked down in its path. Bystanders do not always realize they cannot be seen by the operator. They can slip and fall under a wheel of the tractor or equipment.

Prevention Steps:

Always visually check in all directions for people around the tractor before moving the tractor.
Reduce your speed when operating your tractor in an area where people are located.
Instruct everyone how to get the attention of a tractor operator before approaching the tractor.
Bystanders should not approach a moving tractor until recognized and acknowledged by the operator.
Provide a safe play area for children to keep them away from farm or ranch work areas.
Make sure that all children at your farm or ranch are properly supervised at all times.

Use the following format to cite this article:

Sources:

Harshman, W., Yoder, A., Hilton, J., & Murphy, D. (2011) HOSTA task sheet 4.2: Tractor Hazards. Pennsylvania State University. National Safety Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/sites/default/files/NSTMOP%20Task%20Sheets%20Se….

Miller, J. & Fragar, L. (2006) Farm machinery injury: Injury involving tractor run-over. Retrieved from https://sydney.edu.au/medicine/aghealth/uploaded/Research%20Reports/farm….

Smith, D. (2004) Safe tractor operation: Runover prevention. Texas A & M System AgriLIFE Extension. Retrieve from http://agsafety.tamu.edu/files/2011/06/SAFE-TRACTOR-OPERATION-RUNOVER2.pdf.

Reviewed and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University – jepsen.4@osu.edu

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)

Charles V. Schwab, Iowa State University – cvschwab@iastate.edu

Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

May 17, 2019

Riding Lawnmower Safety

Use the following format to cite this article:

Riding lawnmower safety. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/67563/riding-lawnmower-safety.

From 2008 to 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimated that 35,000 consumer injuries related to riding mower incidents were treated annually in hospital emergency rooms (CPSC, 2012). Most fatalities involved a machine rolling over or running over someone or a person being thrown from or falling off the mower. The following list outlines common mower hazards:

Contact with Mower Blade – A mower is designed to cut grass with a cutting edge that can turn at speeds up to 200 miles per hour. At these speeds, the blade can damage anything or anyone in its path. Some injuries occur when the operator completes maintenance or cleans the discharge chute while the engine is still running. Avoid contact with a turning blade by always turning off the engine and allowing moving parts to completely stop before attempting any work on the mower.

Projectiles – Objects in the yard (e.g., toys, stones, etc.) can become projectiles when struck by the blade, causing the object to travel up to 200 miles per hour after leaving the discharge chute. These projectiles can cause property damage or serious injuries to people in the area. The discharge chute is equipped with a protective guard or deflector to stop objects from becoming projectiles. However, for the deflector to be effective, it must remain in place. The dangerous practice of bungee strapping the deflector up or removing it to increase grass flow from the mower chute defeats the purpose of reducing projectiles.

Mower Discharge Chute

(Source: Penn State Agricultural Safety and Health)

Overturns – Typically, an overturn incident can occur with a riding lawnmower when the operator is mowing on a steep slope or embankment. During this type of incident, the operator can be pinned under the mower or can come into contact with the mower’s blades.

Runover Incidents – This type of incident typically occurs when the operator does not look behind the mower when backing up on a riding lawnmower and accidentally runs over a child.

Burns – Burns can occur when an operator comes in contact with a muffler or cylinder that was heated during operation and has not cooled. In addition, careless refueling when an engine is hot can result in a fire that can cause serious burns.

Safe Practices for Mowing

► Check the area for hazards each time before you mow. Look for objects that could become projectiles (e.g., dog bones, sticks, etc.) and immovable objects (e.g., pipes or partially buried rocks) that could cause damage to your mower deck or break apart and become a projectile.

► Do not mow in an area where young children are playing because they may not understand the dangers of the mower and the operator may not be able to hear them approaching the machine.

► Never point the mower discharge chute toward people, pets, homes, structures, streets, or vehicles.

► Do not allow extra riders on a mower (even if you are not mowing).

► Never leave a running mower unattended.

► Always allow the mower to cool before refueling it to reduce the risk of a flash fire. Most mowers are fueled by gasoline, which is a highly explosive and flammable material. If you accidentally spill gasoline when refueling, quickly and carefully wipe up the fuel.

► Start the mower outside or in a well-ventilated garage area to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide gas buildup.

► Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the mower from accidentally starting before you complete any type of maintenance on the mower.

► Avoid mowing wet grass because it is slippery and the machine’s tires can lose traction and slide. Mowing wet grass can also cause problems because of clogged grass in the discharge chute.

► Know which way to mow when you are mowing on an incline. If you are mowing with a riding lawnmower, mow up and down the slope to reduce the risk of a rollover incident. When using a walk-behind mower, mow across the slope to reduce the risk of contact with the mower blade (e.g., sliding down the hill and getting your feet caught in the mower).

► A slower speed is a safer speed.

► Only mow when operating in a forward gear.

Personal Protective Equipment

► Choose the right clothing and protective equipment. Clothing that is close-fitting is less likely to get caught in moving parts than loose-fitting clothing. Long pants can provide some protection against projectiles not deflected by the rear guard.

► Wear sturdy leather shoes with good traction to protect your feet.

► Always wear hearing protection (e.g., ear muffs or ear plugs) when mowing to reduce your risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

► To protect exposed skin, apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) before mowing, then reapply it every two hours. Wear a wide-brimmed hat.

General Lawn Mower Safety Recommendations

► Do not bypass, disconnect, or remove safety features or controls. Manufacturers continue to make safety improvements to mowers with special features or controls. These safety improvements are designed to reduce your risk of injury.

► Always keep all shields in place.

► When shopping for a new mower, look for the volunteer safety standard (ANSI/OPEI B71.1-2003) for walk-behind and ride-on mowers to ensure that you are purchasing a mower with currently recommended safety features.

► Read, understand, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual for maintenance, operation, and safe operating procedures.

► Keep your mower in good working condition by completing routine maintenance, checking fluid levels, and sharpening the blades.

► Empty grass catchers when partially full to reduce strain on your back.

Use the following format to cite this article:

Riding lawnmower safety. (2013). Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/67563/riding-lawnmower-safety.

Sources:

Kulkarni, S. (n.d.) Lawn mower safety. University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Cooperative Extension Service. Retrieved from http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/pdf/FSA-1005.pdf.

Riding lawnmowers. (2015) Consumer Product Safety Commission. Retrieved from https://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/122050/588.pdf.

Schwab, C., & Miller, L. (2008) Lawnmower safety: Practice lawnmower safety on farms. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Retrieved from https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=5066.

Willcutt, H. (2014) Lawn mower safety. Mississippi State University Extension Service. Retrieved from http://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publicatio….

Reviewed and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

Jimmy Maass, Virginia Farm Bureau (Has since retired)

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)

J. Samuel Steel, Pennsylvania State University (Has since retired)

Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

May 17, 2019July 11, 2019

Machinery and Equipment Safety Publications

Agricultural Tractors and Equipment

Topic Titles	Organization	Pub Date
Big Tractor Safety	University of Maine Extension	2002
Chipper-Shredders	University of Missouri Extension	2010
Combine Fires	University of Illinois	2015
Combines and Corn Picker Safety	University of Maine Extension	2002
Dangers of Agricultural Machinery	University of Maine Extension	2002
Driving Farm Machinery Safely	University of Maine Extension	2002
Electrocution Hazards on the Farm	Iowa State University Extension and Outreach	2004
Extra Riders on Farm Equipment	Pennsylvania State University	2006
Extra Riders Mean Extra Dangers	Iowa State University Extension and Outreach	2008
Farm Dump Truck and Trailer Safety	Pennsylvania State University	2005
Farm Machinery and Equipment Safety Part 1: Recognizing and Understanding the Hazards	Rutgers Cooperative Extension	2007
Farm Machinery and Equipment Safety Part 2: Preventing Machinery Accidents During Operation	Rutgers Cooperative Extension	2007
Front-End Loader Safety	University of Maine Extension	2002
Hazards of the PTO on Farm Tractors	Alabama Cooperative Extension	2005
Machinery Safety on the Farm	Virginia Cooperative Extension	2009
Machinery Safety on the Farm	Kansas State University	2010
Operating Mowers Safely	Rutgers Cooperative Extension	2005
Potato Harvester Safety	University of Maine	2002
Power Take-Off Safety	Pennsylvania State University	2014
Preventing Farm Vehicle Backover Incidents Protecting Farmworkers from Tractor and Harvester Hazards	OSHA OSHA	2015 2014
Recognize Limitations to Avoid Injury	Iowa State University Extension and Outreach	2011
Rollover Protection for Farm Tractor Operators	Pennsylvania State University	2014
Safe Implement Hitching: A Guide for Safe Connection of Agricultural Tractors to Implements	Association of Equipment Manufacturers and Canadian Agricultural Safety Association	2011
Safe Operation of Compact Tractors	Virginia Cooperative Extension	2009
Safe Tractor Operation	University of Missouri	2002
Selection and Inspection of Hoses: An Integral Component of Everyday Equipment	Purdue Extension	2010
Skid Steer Safety for Farm and Landscape	Pennsylvania State University	2006
Skidder Safety and Efficiency: A Discussion Leader’s Guide	Virginia Cooperative Extension	2009
Three-Point Rotary Lawn and Brush Mower Safety	The Ohio State University	2015
Tractor Hitch Pin: A Critical Component in Keeping Control of Implements	Purdue Extension	2012
Tractors in the Woods	Pennsylvania State University	2011
Tractor Stability and Instability	Pennsylvania State University	2014
Tractor Safety	University of Maine	2002
Use Tractors with ROPS to Save Lives	Iowa State University Extension and Outreach	2002
Wagon Safety	University of Maine Extension	2002

Agricultural Vehicles, Visibility, and Public Roadways

Topic Titles	Organization	Pub Date
A New Look for Farm Safety: Reflective and Fluorescent Tape	Iowa State University and Outreach	2000
Farm Dump Truck and Trailer Safety	Pennsylvania State University	2013
Hold it Down! (Poster) Hold it Down! (Pocket Guide)	Purdue University	2008
Lighting Self-Propelled Farm Equipment	Alabama Cooperative Extension	2005
Make Sure Your Load Is Secure	The Ohio State University	2011
Rx for SMV Highway Safety: Be Conspicuous	Pennsylvania State University	2013
Securing the Load	Purdue Extension	2009
Transporting Farm Equipment	Purdue University	2011
Use SMV Emblems for Your Safety	Iowa State University Extension and Outreach	2004

ATV

Topic Titles	Organization	Pub Date
All-Terrain Vehicle Safety	National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety	2003
All-Terrain Vehicle Safety: ATV Safety for Farm Work, Recreation	Iowa State University Extension and Outreach	2008
All-Terrain Vehicles	University of Missouri Extension	2000
ATVs and Youth: Matching Children and Vehicles	Pennsylvania State University	2013
Safe Use of ATVs in Agriculture	Pennsylvania State University	2013

Chain Saws and Tree Felling

Topic Titles	Organization	Pub Date
Chain Saw Safety	University of Maine Extension	2002
Chain Saws: Safety, Operation, Tree Felling Techniques	Kansas State University	2011
Chainsaw Safety Tips	University of Georgia Cooperative Extension	2010
Felling, Limbing, and Bucking Trees	University of Missouri	2011
Operating a Chain Saw Safely	University of Missouri	2011

Hand Signals

Topic Titles	Organization	Pub Date
Agricultural Hand Signals	Pennsylvania State University	2008

Lawn Care

Topic Titles	Organization	Pub Date
Hand Tools Safety: Lawncare	Virginia Cooperative Extension	2012
Hand Tools Safety: Lawncare Training Guide	Virginia Cooperative Extension	2012
Lawnmower Safety: Practice Lawnmower Safety on Farms	Iowa State University Extension	2008
Power Tool Safety	University of Maine Extension	2002
Powered Hand Tool Safety: Lawncare	Virginia Cooperative Extension	2012
Powered Hand Tool Safety: Lawncare Training Guide	Virginia Cooperative Extension	2012
Rotary Mowers Safety: Lawncare	Virginia Cooperative Extension	2012
Rotary Mowers Safety: Lawncare Training Guide	Virginia Cooperative Extension	2012
Utility Type Vehicle (UTV) Safety: Lawncare	Virginia Cooperative Extension	2012
Utility Type Vehicle (UTVs): Lawncare Training Guide	Virginia Cooperative Extension	20012

May 17, 2019March 25, 2021

Machinery and Equipment Safety Video Resources

Equipment Safety

Topic Titles	Organization	Resource Type
Agricultural Equipment Operator Safety (2002)	Iowa State University	CD/Video available to purchase ($25)
Farm Augers: Manage the Safety Risks (2011) 4:18 minutes	Canadian Agricultural Safety Association	Free – Online video via YouTube
Farm S.O.S. (Strategies on Safety) Video Series: ATV Safety (2014) 1:15 minutes	Ohio State University	Free – Online video via YouTube
Farm S.O.S. (Strategies on Safety) Video Series: Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) Emblem (2014) 1:09 minutes	Ohio State University	Free – Online video via YouTube
For Your Safety: Industrial and Agricultural Mower Safety Practices (2005) 11:00 minutes English Spanish	Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)	Free – Online video via YouTube or click here to purchase a copy ($10).
Mechanical Hazards (2011) 10 video series on mechanical hazards (e.g., pinch point, crush point, etc.)	Pennsylvania State University	Free – Online video via YouTube
Skid Loader Operation Walkthrough (2012) 6:04 minutes	Environmental Health and Safety Iowa State University	Free – Online video via YouTube
Skid Steer Loader Safety (2013) 27:20 minutes	Kansas State University	Free – Online video via YouTube

General Machinery and Equipment

Topic Titles	Organization	Resource Type
ATV and Farm Utility Vehicle Safety (2010) 25:57 minutes	Farm Employers Labor Service	Available for purchase – $59/DVD
Ag Hand and Power Tool Safety (2000) 13:00 minutes	Farm Employers Labor Service	Available for purchase – $135/DVD
Agricultural Safety Signals (2011) English Spanish	Pennsylvania State University – Videos that demonstrate the 11 ASABE hand signals when operating equipment	Free – Online videos via YouTube
Adam Hall – Lawn Mower Fatality – Economics and Social Cost (2013) 7:42 minutes	U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers	Free – Online videos via YouTube

Rural Roadways

Topic Titles	Organization	Resource Type
Rural Driving/Defensive Driving (2000) 33:00 minutes	Farm Employers Labor Services	Available for purchase – $75/DVD
Rural Road Crashes: They’re Preventable (2011) 10:00 minutes	Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health	Free – Online video
Sharing the Roadways in Amish Country (2011) 10:33 minutes	Ohio State University	Free – Online video via YouTube

Topic Titles

Organization

Resource Type

Rural Driving/Defensive Driving (2000)

33:00 minutes

Farm Employers Labor Services

Available for purchase – $75/DVD

Rural Road Crashes: They’re Preventable (2011)

10:00 minutes

Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health

Free – Online video

Sharing the Roadways in Amish Country (2011)

10:33 minutes

Ohio State University

Free – Online video via YouTube

Tractor and PTO Safety

Topic Titles	Organization	Resource Type
Farm S.O.S. (Strategies on Safety) Curriculum Videos: PTO Safety (2014) 1:15 minutes	Ohio State University	Free – Online video via YouTube
Farm Tractor Safety: More than Plows and PTOs (2010) 53:00 minutes English Spanish	Washington State Department of Labor & Industries	Free – Online video via Windows Media Player
How to Install and Maintain a Shaft Cover on a Tractor PTO (2012) 8:17 minutes	Alabama Cooperative Extension	Free – Online video via YouTube
Multi-State ROPS Rebate Program (2013) 4:54 minutes	U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers	Free – Online video via YouTube
Pre-Operation Maintenance Checks (2011) 9 video series coolant, tires, master shield, etc.	Pennsylvania State University	Free – Online video via YouTube
Power Take-Off Safety (2011) 3:03 minutes	Canadian Agricultural Safety Association	Free – Online video via YouTube
Proper Use of a PTO-Driven Posthole Digger (2012) 7:14 minutes	Alabama Cooperative Extension	Free – Online video via YouTube
Rollover Protection Structures (2011) 2:16 minutes	Canadian Agricultural Safety Association	Free – Online video via YouTube
Safe Operation of Farm Tractors: A Basic Overview for Farm Owners and Operators (2015) (9 segments in the series)	University of Wisconsin	Free – Online videos via YouTube
Tractor Operation for Hispanic Youth (2012) Video clips from 7 modules (e.g., vestimenta segura, senales conlas manos, etc.) Complete Curriculum	Pennsylvania State University	Free – Online videos via YouTube
Tractor Rollover Protection Plus Seatbelts Save Lives (2011) 3:45 minutes	Canadian Agricultural Safety Association	Free – Online video via YouTube
Tractor Safety: Avoid Rollovers (2001) 00:31minutes	Mississippi State University	Free – Online video
Tractor Safety: Falling Objects (2001) 00:31 minutes	Mississippi State University	Free – Online video
Tractor Safety: Front Loaders (2001) 00:31 minutes	Mississippi State University	Free – Online video
Tractor Safety: Lifting Heavy Loads (2001) 00:31 minutes	Mississippi State University	Free – Online video
Tractor Safety: Proper Hitching (2001) 00:31 minutes	Mississippi State University	Free – Online video
Tractor Safety: Safe Turns (2001) 00:31 minutes	Mississippi State University	Free – Online video
Tractor Safety: Rollover Protective Structures (2001) 00:33 minutes	Mississippi State University	Free – Online video
Tractor Safety Elements (2011) 11:37 minutes English Spanish	SAIF Corporation and Agri-Business Council of Oregon	Free – Online video
Tractor Safety – 3-part series (2007) (Part 1: Basic operation; Part 2: Highway safety; Part 3: PTO and hitching)	Farm Employers Labor Services	Available for purchase – $145/DVD

May 17, 2019April 8, 2020

Gearing Up for Safety

Gearing Up Image

(Source: Purdue University)

Gearing Up for Safety is an outcomes-based instructional program developed to provide training for youth seeking employment in agricultural production. It was designed both for youth living on family farms and for 14- and 15-year-olds who want to be certified under the provisions of the Agricultural Hazardous Occupations Order (AgHOs) to perform certain work activities on a farm operation. AgHOs is a set of federal safety and health standards that classify certain tasks as hazardous for youth under the age of 16. By participating in Gearing Up for Safety, youth are able to meet the AgHOs training requirements for operating a tractor of more than 20 horsepower, connecting and disconnecting implements, and operating certain farm machines.

Gearing Up for Safety is intended for national use through the Cooperative Extension Service and agricultural education programs, both of which are specifically identified by AgHOs as authorized to conduct AgHOs certification training.

Curriculum

The Gearing Up for Safety program includes a Program Leaders’s Guide (CD-ROM) that provides instructors with tools for organizing and conducting an agricultural safety training program that meets the requirements of AgHOs and addresses the most frequent causes of injuries and fatalities to youth in agriculture. The program also includes a student CD-ROM consisting of 11 units that allows students to execute certain aspects of the training independently. The curriculum is also supported by an extensive website. (Click here to be directed to the Gearing Up for Safety website.)

The Program Leader’s Guide includes the following components:

Suggested teaching aids
Core competencies that each student should master
Graphics for presenting key points
Lesson outlines with supplemental background information
Activity worksheets
Review test questions
PowerPoint presentations
Examples of farm injuries for classroom discussion
Evaluation tools
- These evaluation tools assess students’ knowledge of material, ability to perform preoperational safety inspections, and ability to safely maneuver a tractor through a standardized obstacle course.

Program materials are available online and for purchase as CD-ROMs:

Online curriculum: http://www.ydae.purdue.edu/tractor/default.htm

Reviewed and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

William E. Field, Purdue University – field@purdue.edu

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University – (Has since retired)

Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu

May 17, 2019April 6, 2023

Tractor Operation for Hispanic Youth

Case-IH Disc Mower. Photo Source: Case-IH Media Library.

The Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation for Hispanic Youth program is a comprehensive program that provides culturally appropriate Spanish materials and video clips to teach some aspects of general farm safety and safe tractor and machinery operation to Hispanic youth. The video clips are only in Spanish, but the scripts, task sheets, and other instructional information are in English and Spanish.

The primary curriculum in this training program includes:

26 task sheets from an older version of National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) in Spanish and
38 short video clips available to accompany nine of the task sheets; the clips range from 10 seconds to 2 minutes.

The program includes the Instructor Manual: Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation for Hispanic Youth and Task Sheets: Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation for Hispanic Youth. All task sheets include learning objectives, safety content, and suggested student activities. The manual groups the task sheets according to how they may be used.

Evaluation

The program includes three evaluation documents to gather feedback for the instructors on their programs. Included in the evaluation are the PreOp Test Evaluation Form and the Driving Test Evaluation Form that should be used when field testing the students. The third document evaluates the amount of material that the students learn in the program.

Curriculum

To view the complete curriculum, click on the PDF links below:

Instructor Manual

Task Sheets with Videos

Group 1 – Task Sheets 2.7, 2.9 and 2.10 – Spanish
Group 2 – Task Sheets 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.3.1 – Spanish
Group 3 – Task Sheets 4.6, 4.6.1, 4.6.5, and 4.6.6 – Spanish

Videos

Supplemental Task Sheets

Group 4 – Task Sheets 2.1, 2.3, 2.5, 2.5.3, 2.8, and 2.11 – Spanish
Group 5 – Task Sheets 4.2, 4.2a, 4.2b, 4.2c, 4.3, 4.12, 4.13, and 4.14 – Spanish
Group 6 – Task Sheets 5.1 and 5.4.1 – Spanish
Group 7 – Task Sheets 6.1 and 6.2 – Spanish

Funding

This program was developed by the Pennsylvania State University, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Agricultural Safety and Health Program with funding support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Reviewed and Summarized by:

Linda M. Fetzer, Pennsylvania State University – lmf8@psu.edu

Dennis J. Murphy, Pennsylvania State University (has since retired)

Aaron M. Yoder, University of Nebraska Medical Center – aaron.yoder@unmc.edu