Abstract

A 21-year-old farm worker was killed in a tractor rollover incident. The victim was driving a tractor on a secondary public road, pulling an unloaded 18-foot flatbed trailer, when he lost control. After the tractor wheels went off the right side of the road, the victim overcorrected, which caused the vehicle to become unbalanced; he was thrown from the tractor as it overturned into a ditch. It was not equipped with an appropriate rollover protective structure (ROPS) or a seatbelt. The unit, which included a canopy, had been installed to provide shade on summer days and cover in occasional downpours, not to protect the operator in the event of a rollover. The victim's employer was the only eyewitness to the incident. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner. In order to prevent similar incidents, KY FACE investigators recommend that:

  • To provide the best protection for operators, tractors should be retrofitted with the appropriate rollover protective structures, installed by the equipment manufacturer or an authorized dealer.
  • Operator restraint systems (seatbelts) should also be installed by the equipment manufacturer or an authorized dealer.
  • Employers should provide safety training to employees, including information regarding potential hazards and safe operation of equipment.

Document Type

Report

Release Date

10-30-1995

Incident Number

95KY088; 95KY08801

Download

Share

COinS