The most common causes of tractor accidents and how to avoid them?

Every year, tractor breakdowns, accidents, improper operation or negligence on the part of the tractor driver lead to accidents resulting in damage to property or injury to health. Tractor manufacturers are constantly improving designs to make them safer. However, it is only the people driving the tractors themselves who know their equipment, its possible faults and dangers best.

These days, tractors, more than any other piece of equipment, are widespread on farms around the world. Tractors are mainly used for transporting mounted and semi-mounted implements, for transporting various equipment and materials, and for towing agricultural equipment. The high demand for such equipment and its intensive use leads to a wide range of accidents, with a variety of causes.

What are the most common causes of accidents and how can I avoid them?

One of the most common tractor accidents is related to rollovers. Rollovers are usually caused by the tractor travelling too fast in bad conditions. For example, in the event of significant surface hazards such as stumps, uneven roads, dangerous ditches, steep slopes. Overturning or sliding into a ditch is caused by careless use of machinery, or when it is outdated and unusable. Collisions with other motor vehicles or roadside objects are also common. To reduce the risk of such disasters, it is important to:

– The driver must be physically and mentally fit for the job. There are many human factors that lead to accidents – lack of knowledge, lack of experience, stress, haste, intoxication, excessive heat, lack of rest, poor health.
– The driver must be properly trained. A person who does not know how to use the tractor safely in potentially dangerous situations could be injured and damage the machine. You should make sure that all persons authorised to operate the tractor are properly trained.
– Familiarity with the instructions for use. The tractor driver must follow the procedures in the user manual. You should also familiarise yourself with all the control features and their purpose, and be aware of the possible dangers and warnings given by the manufacturer.
– Use the equipment for its intended purpose and do not carry out work that the equipment is not designed to do.

What are the security requirements?

Before you start using your tractor, it is important to make sure it is safe. Check that tyres are properly inflated and free of defects, that everything is visible through the windows and mirrors, that the seat is in the correct position, check seat belts, brakes, steering manoeuvring, as well as checking reflectors and headlights. It is important to make sure that the area where the work is to be carried out is free of foreign objects or persons. In addition to these basic safety requirements, technical sensors must be checked:

– Check the oil: remove the dipstick, clean it and check the oil level. If you need oil, remember to clean the filler cap before removing it to prevent dirt getting into the engine.
– Check the radiator: slowly remove the red cap and check the fluid level.
– Check the fuel level.
– Check the extinguisher. In the event of a fire during tractor operation or refuelling, it is important to make sure that the fire extinguisher is full and easily accessible.

Proper tractor operation and inspection is part of the job. All these safety features will help to avoid potential accidents, injury to others and reduce potential damage to property.