Safe Use of Tractors and Self-Propelled Equipment for Trainers and Supervisors

Tailgate Safety Training for Landscaping and Horticultural Services

AEX-892.2.65

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Date:

06/08/2018

Agricultural Safety and Health Program

Objective: Use safe procedures to operate tractors and self-propelled equipment.

Trainer’s Note

Safety is critical in operating tractors and self-propelled equipment. For this module:

Review the information below on safe operation of tractors and self-propelled equipment.
Have workers practice safe operation. Monitor worker practice yourself or have an experienced worker do so. Provide feedback during practice to ensure that workers understand safe operation.
Have workers discuss their experiences practicing safe operation.
Review the important points.
Have workers take the True/False quiz to check their learning.

Note: It is acceptable for a trainer to ride on the tractor with a worker during training only.

Background

Many workers in the green industry use tractors on the job. In addition, workers might use other self-propelled equipment:

Traveling or watering booms
Conveyors
Shipping carts
Bench transports
Golf carts
Utility vehicles

General Safety Guidelines

Read and follow the operator’s safety manual. Keep safety signs in good repair. Replace them as needed. When a part is replaced, transfer the safety equipment to the new part. Replacement safety signs can be bought from a dealer.

Describe how to operate all controls on the equipment. Keep the equipment in good working condition. Do not modify equipment. Do not modify the safety devices. Unauthorized modification can impair the operation and safety of the equipment.

Tractors are powerful machines. They require careful attention to operate and service. New tractors are equipped with safety devices. These devices provide a reasonable amount of protection. Practice good safety habits. Be aware of hazardous situations.

Safe Operation of Equipment

Safe operation depends on alert and efficient handling. Most incidents occur when the driver is tired or not alert.
Only trained workers should operate tractors and self-propelled equipment.
Wear safety glasses to prevent eye damage due to flying debris. Wear snug-fitting clothing. This lessens the chance of clothing catching on a moving part.
Do not ride double unless a seat is provided.
Before you start, check the work area for debris, obstacles, ditches, and holes. They could cause the tractor to overturn.
Be aware of weather conditions. Control is more difficult in mud, snow, or ice.
The tractor should be equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS). This device will protect the driver in case of an overturn. Fasten the seat belt only if there is a ROPS. For more details, refer to the Tailgate Safety Training module Rollovers and Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS).
A first aid kit should be on or near all major equipment. For more details, refer to the Tailgate Safety Training module First Aid Kits.

Machines with mounted equipment need adequate ballast for stability. Hitch loads to the draw bar to prevent turning over backwards when pulling. To avoid overturns, back out of deep ditches, up slopes, and out of mud holes. Slow down and begin turning the wheels before applying the brake. This will help avoid overturns, skidding, and bouncing. Sitting down with the seat belt fastened is always encouraged. It is mandatory when traveling over rough terrain. It lessens the chance of the driver being thrown from the machine.

Review These Important Points

Stay alert. Recognize and follow safety procedures.
No riders (except during the training session).
First aid should be readily available.
Follow recommended guidelines in difficult terrain and weather conditions.
Read and follow the operator’s manual.

About These Modules
The author team for the training modules in the landscape and horticultural tailgate training series includes Dee Jepsen, Program Director, Agricultural Safety and Health, Ohio State University Extension; Michael Wonacott, Research Specialist, Vocational Education; Peter Ling, Greenhouse Specialist; and Thomas Bean, Agricultural Safety Specialist. Modules were developed with funding from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant Number 46E3-HT09.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Labor.