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Tractor and Machinery Safety

In 2022, 13 cases involving agricultural machinery that resulted in an injury occurred. There were 19 people involved in the cases with 10 fatalities.
Most of the incidents occurred in May and September (three incidents each)
Most cases occurred during planting and harvest activities in spring and fall
Eight of 13 cases involved tractors.
Seven of 13 occurred on roadways.
- The average age of people involved in the incidents was 44 years.
- The oldest victim was 81 years old; the youngest was 10 years old.
- Over half of the victims were 34 years or older, with 21% being 65 years or older.

Always wear a seatbelt when operating farm equipment or on a tractor with a rollover protection structure (ROPS) or cab.
Avoid busy roadways when able to, and when not, drive during less busy times. A major concern is the speed differences between farm equipment and motor vehicles. This results in the approaching motorists only having a few seconds to identify the situation and react.
Wear proper footwear, such as slip-resistant shoes or boots, while operating equipment to reduce the risk of falls.
Tractor rollovers are one of the most common and dangerous causes of injury. Tractors are especially prone to rollovers due to their high center of gravity. Be cautious with steep inclines and while operating on road shoulders as they can be soft and cause an upset.
Never carry extra passengers.

The Ohio State University, Agricultural Safety and Health Program
University of Minnesota Extension, Farm Safety
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Worker Safety on the Farm, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2010-137 (April 2010)

Award Number: 2022-41590-38130