Last Tuesday was an unlucky day for two employees in Chicago when a tractor unexpectedly rolled on a construction site and injured both of them.

The two men are employees of Rainbow Construction. They were working in a residential garage when the tractor unexpectedly moved. Both victims had their legs caught in the tread of the tractor. One lost a foot while the other broke his ankle.

Safety with Brakes and Blocking

One possible cause of this accident is a problem with the brakes of the tractor. It’s one thing to have a tractor with brakes. It’s another thing to have one with brakes that can control it while it’s fully loaded on any grade.

The terrain or surface must also be taken into consideration. This means that the brakes must be able to support the tractor, whether it’s parked on rough ground, sloping soil, slippery surface, etc.

Another possible cause of this incident is the lack of proper blocking procedure. It’s important that tractors be blocked or cribbed if they are parked on an elevated part of the ground. This must be done, whether tractors are empty or loaded.

Photo by Mary A. Pen

Just the same, the wheels must be blocked while the operator is loading a tractor that might move. This does not apply, though, with tractors that are “on the go”.

Of course employees must also observe caution whenever they work near tractors, whether moving or parked, loaded or empty. They should NEVER stand, walk or work under an elevated part of the ground where a tractor is parked or moving. This is unless the tractor is properly blocked.

Whether the accident was a result of a problem with brakes, lack of blocking procedure or something else, the bottomline is every employer must make sure that tractors are in perfect condition all the time.

Inspection and Maintenance

The first step to properly maintaining tractors is inspecting them periodically for damages or defects. Operators must also conduct inspections of tractors before and after using them.

Brakes must always be checked if they are in perfect working condition. When conducting inspection, maintenance or repair of tractors, motors must be off and all controls in neutral. Make sure also to check the fuel, water and lubrication.

General Guidelines

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a lot to say about proper tractor operations. In fact, OSHA regulations require employers to provide their workers with the following:

• A standard seatbelt
• A standard roll-over protection structure
• Protection from sharp surfaces
• Protection from tractor fluid spillage

By following OSHA laws in the proper ways to operate tractors, you can ensure a safer workplace for your employees. Here are some guidelines you should follow to avoid injuries and fatalities:

• Tractors are single-person vehicles. Only operators should ride and operate them. Never even think about carrying a passenger on an implement.
• Tractors must have steps, guardrails, handholds or grab bars for safe access. Make sure both steps and operator’s platform are slip-resistant.
• You should start tractors only while seated in the operator’s seat.

• The engine shut-off must be within reach of the operator when seated in the normal operating position.

Photo by Schick

• It’s important to wear appropriate attire while operating tractors. This means doing away with clothes and footwear that may get tangled with the tractor or an implement. Make sure to don safety eyewear and closed toe shoes.

• Always maintain a safe distance from bystanders or other workers. This is especially true when operating tractors up a slope/incline or down it.

• Only the right safety glazing material for vehicles should be used for windshields and windows of tractors.

• Tractors’ levers for hoisting or dumping devices should have a latch or another device that prevents mechanism from accidentally tripping.

• Never overload tractors. Make sure loads are always stable and well balanced.

• While moving tractors, you should keep implements as low as possible. Remember to lower all implements to the ground when stopping tractors.

• As much as possible, keep wheels spread wide. Tractors are more likely to overturn sideways if the wheels are close together.

Whether your work area is a farm, construction site or warehouse, you should take tractor operations as a serious business. Otherwise, you’re better off without this useful equipment.