Worksafe BC
Tractors are one of the most useful and dangerous pieces of farm equipment. When working with tractors, it is crucial for operators to follow safety procedures to minimize serious injuries or even fatalities.
Proper education, training, and supervision is essential
Seasonal and new workers are particularly vulnerable and at higher risk of injury when operating tractors and other hazardous equipment. If you’re an employer, you’re responsible for making sure your workers understand the hazards of their job and have been trained on how to operate tractors and other equipment safely.
Follow these safety procedures when operating a tractor or other equipment
- Assess the work and ensure you are using the right piece of equipment for the job
- Read and make sure you understand the operator’s manual
- Check to ensure the tractor is in good working condition before you operate it
- Always make sure all PTO shields and guards are in place and are in good condition
- Ensure the rollover protective structure (ROPS) is up, and always wear your seatbelt
- Ensure the tractor brakes are in good condition, working well in both directions (forward and reverse), and are properly locked for higher speeds
- Always drive at a safe speed and be familiar with the terrain slopes and conditions
- Always review the conditions of your work area for irregularities such as holes or other obstacles
- Ensure all loads are properly secured, including large bales, and any objects being raised are at the level of the operator
- When driving, make turns on level ground whenever possible and avoid soft shoulders
- When getting off the machine, disengage the PTO, turn off the tractor, and ensure the parking brake is on and operating effectively before you dismount
- When operating a tractor with a front-end loader, keep the bucket low when travelling and turning – never get off the tractor seat with the bucket raised
Find resources and safety videos at worksafebc.com/agriculture