OSHA Tractor Safety
by Kirk Lloyd, Risk Management Services, Inc.

Oregon OSHA has very specific requirements for the safety training of tractor drivers. We want to help our members understand exactly what those requirements are. Here is the rule:

(1) Training. Train all employees who drive an agricultural tractor about the operating practices below and about any other practices peculiar to the work environment. Do this training at the time of initial assignment to driving duties and at least annually after that.

1. Securely fasten your seat belt if the tractor has a ROPS.
2. Where possible, avoid operating the tractor near ditches, embankments, and holes.
3. Reduce speed when turning, crossing slopes and on rough, slick or muddy surfaces.
4. Stay off slopes too steep for safe operation.
5. Watch where you are going, especially at row ends, on roads, and around trees.
6. Do not permit others to ride unless there is a safe seat.
7. Operate the tractor smoothly – no jerky turns, starts, or stops.
8. Hitch only to the drawbar and hitch points recommended by the tractor manufacturer.
9. When the tractor is stopped, set brakes securely and use park lock if available.

On the Agribusiness Council website we have posted an expansion of this list with commentary on each of these items including ideas and examples for how to apply them in the real world. The OSHA list of items just scratches the surface of what might need to be covered. Remember that “ other practices peculiar to the work environment” must be covered in training also. Just for one example, tractors are used to operate PTO-driven implements on most farms. Unless your farm has no PTO exposures, safety around those drivelines would be an “other practice” that needs your attention.

Initial training for a new operator will take more work than the annual follow-up refresher training. A new operator needs to learn the specifics of the equipment to be used, as well as the hazardous locations and unusual conditions that might be encountered in their new job.

Tractors are involved in about half of all farm fatalities, so your efforts to promote safe practices are very important! And don’t forget to keep records of the training dates and attendance. When it comes to OSHA compliance, the job isn’t done until the paperwork is done.