Vehicles

Fatal Accidents
Tractors
Hydraulic Systems
Parking
Driving on slopes
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
Vehicle Checks

In this video, Sean talks about and shows the injuries received when a combine harvester fell on him.

In this video, David talks about how the tractor he was driving, ran over him leaving him in a wheelchair.

Fatal Accidents

Farm vehicles are linked to the highest proportion of fatal injuries on farms. People at risk include vehicle or machine operators and others in the vicinity.

Work-related fatalities involving vehicles 2014-2023 (total vehicle fatalities 83)

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Tractors

Tractors are potentially lethal and accidents involving tractors account for a very high proportion of all farm accidents each year. Ensure that:

the tractor is maintained in good working condition
a cab or safety frame is fitted
all controls are in good working order and clearly marked
brakes are checked regularly and are always in sound working condition
all relevant guards are in place and that PTO and Hydraulics are functioning correctly
mirrors, lights and wipers are in working order at all times
the tractor is always parked safely
the guidance in the operator's manual is followed and operate the tractor in a safe manner

Tractor maintenance

A cab or safety frame to OECD standards must be fitted. Look for corrosion on frames of older tractors
Always ensure that the tractor can be started by the key and that the engine-stop control is effective
The vehicle controls should all be in working order and clearly marked. A tidy cab allows safe and easy use of the controls
Ensure that the cab floor is kept clear to allow safe use of brakes and clutch
Brakes should be in good working order, balanced and interlocked, except when being used for field work
A properly functioning handbrake is essential
Ensure that the power take-off (PTO) can be turned on and off correctly, and that the PTO shield is kept in place at all times
The hitch points of both tractor and trailer must not be worn
Do not leave the tractor seat while the engine is running
Maintain all tractor components, including hydraulics, u-guard and hitches

Hydraulic Systems

Examine hydraulic pipes before using hydraulic equipment. Repair or replace damaged pipes or couplings before use
Never place a finger near any leak in a hydraulic hose pipe, no matter how small the leak. This is likely to cause infection and possibly the loss of a limb
Seek immediate medical assistance if even the smallest amount of oil is forced under the skin

Parking

Follow the instructions in the operator's handbook
Stop the engine and leave the fuel-control stop in the shut-off position
Apply the hand brake securely
Park on level ground where possible. Leave the vehicle in gear. If on a slope, use the reverse gear if facing downhill and low forward gear if facing uphill
Use wheel stops if necessary to prevent a vehicle rolling from its parked position
Lower hydraulic implements and loaders to the ground
Remove the key if there is a risk of the vehicle being started by an unauthorised person

Driving on slopes

If you use tractors or equipment on slopes, carefully assess the risk of overturning
Always assess the slope and ground conditions before commencing work
Consider if it is worth taking the risk of operating on sloping ground
Make sure you are familiar with the slope. Walk the slope before driving on it
Use a four-wheel-drive tractor
Select the right gear before approaching the slope, to avoid gear change on the slope
Use engine braking when you drive down a slope
Keep as much weight uphill as possible
Turn uphill if working across a slope
Avoid quick, sharp turns
If a tractor is about to overturn, do not attempt to jump clear. Stay in the cab and hold on to the steering wheel