Information on Tractor Rollover Prevention - Where Can I Find it?

Fit Roll Over Protection – Get a $200 Rebate.

Why should you fit ROPS?

Fatalities are a tragic, but preventable, aspect of life on NSW farms.  It is widely recognized that agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries.

One of the leading causes of injuries on rural properties is the tractor.  In fact, it has been shown the tractor is the deadliest piece of equipment on NSW farms.

Statistics gathered from numerous sources show that over a third of all accidents on farms are related to the tractor.

As part of a $4.1 million dollar rural safety campaign for regional NSW, the State Government is providing a $200 rebate to assist owners of tractors used on farms who fit a Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) to their tractors during the campaign.

Over the past 10 years up to June 2000 Workcover NSW has investigated 151 farm related fatalities.  Of these 45 were directly attributed to tractor operations and 15 of these were due to tractor rollover or backflip.

Workers compensation claims related to tractor accidents since 1992 show that on average 30 claims for permanent disability and  100 claims for temporary disability are made each year.

The above numbers would be greatly inflated if all accidents and near misses were reported.  Many of these near misses and incidents could have easily resulted in a fatality or serious injury.

In respect of tractor fatalities and injuries the three main causes are:

Tractor roll over

Tractor run over

Unguarded power take offs

Tractor roll over is the single most common fatal farm accident.  Apart from the pain and the suffering from the loss of loved ones or friends, there are many more roll over accidents resulting in serious injury that has left farming families in ruin because a member of the family has been maimed.

Preventing death and serious injury from tractor roll over can be achieved by protecting the operator. The single and most effective way is by fitting a structure around the operator called a Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS).

ROPS in conjunction with the seat belt prevents the tractor from rolling on top of the operator if a roll over occurs.

Despite legislation being in place in NSW since 1982, requiring all tractors weighing between 560kg and 15000kg to be fitted with ROPS there are still an estimated 22000 tractors in NSW not fitted with ROPS.  This figure is horrific considering the reported fatalities.

Then Why Do So Many Farmers Choose Not to Fit ROPS?

Here are some common reasons:

I never drive fast on a tractor

Experienced operators don’t have accidents

I only work on flat country

There are not valid reasons.  Research has shown that:

90% of tractor accidents occurred at speeds of less than 8kph

75% of operators involved in accidents had more than 5 years experience on tractors

60% of all accidents occurred on slopes less than 5 degrees

By far the most common reason given for not fitting an approved ROPS is that they are too expensive.  ROPS generally cost between $450 and $650.  However, large machines may cost over $1000.  Fitting of a fold down ROPS incurs an additional cost of approximately $120.  The actual cost will depend on the tractor involved.  It takes around two hours to fit a ROPS.

The costs involved in installing an approved ROPS is hardly an argument when the following facts are taken into consideration.

The average cost per tractor accident is $15,335.

The average time lost for a temporary disability due to a tractor accident is 9.3 weeks.

It should be noted that time lost as a result of injury further compounds the financial loss because of the need to replace workers.

To assist the farming community, the NSW State Government has introduced a $200 ROPS rebate to owners of tractors used on farms.  The ROPS rebate scheme was announced on the 23^rd May 2000 and owners of tractors used on NSW farms which have ROPS fitted to them after this date are eligible to obtain the $200 rebate.

The ROPS rebate scheme does not apply to:

Dealers and Suppliers of tractors

Local Councils and Government Agencies

Rebate available in NSW only.

What are Roll Over Protective Structures (ROPS)?

A Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) is a frame fitted to a tractor to protect the operator in the event of the tractor rolling over or back flipping.  The ROPS manufacture must comply with AS 1636 Tractor Roll Over Protective Structures – Criteria or Tests or AS 2294 Earth Moving Protective Structures.   Equivalent overseas standards are also acceptable.

Which Tractors Require ROPS?

All tractors weighing between 560 and 15000 kilograms when carrying a full load of fuel, coolant and oil must, by law be fitted with an approved ROPS.

What Tractor Do Not Require ROPS?

Tractors weighing less than 560kg or over 15000kg.  Although there is no requirement for these tractors to be fitted with a ROPS, they should be fitted with ROPS as they can still roll over or backflip.

Tractors that are not required to be driven from one location to another – static tractors.

Vintage tractors only used for demonstration purposes under controlled conditions and only then after the risks in doing so have been assessed and control measures have been put in place to manage those risks.

My Tractor Only Operates within An Orchard, Should I Install a ROPS?

Yes.  It is recommended tractors that operated within an orchard be fitted with an approved ROPS.  There are few circumstances in which there is no likelihood of a tractor overturning as most tractors are top heavy and potentially unstable.  It should also be noted that a risk assessment should be conducted and safe systems of work developed to address any identified risks.

NB.  Fold down approved ROPS are available.

I Use My Tractor on a Hobby Farm, Am I Eligible For the ROPS Rebate?

Yes.  The rebate is available to owners of tractors used on farms, including those that own hobby farms.

How Much Is the ROPS Rebate?

The rebate is $200 for owners of tractors used on NSW farms.

A risk assessment shows there is a small chance of my tractor rolling over, do I still need a ROPS?

Yes.  There are few circumstances in which there is no likelihood of a tractor overturning as most tractors are top heavy and potentially unstable. 

What is a Risk Assessment?

A risk assessment is the process of identifying, assessing and controlling a risk.  For information on how to conduct risk assessments please call the Workcover Rural Industry Team on freecall 1800 300 377 or (02) 96718717.

How Do I Know My ROPS Complies with the Australian Standard?

Approved ROPS that comply with the Australian Standard will be stamped or have a plate indicating that it meets the requirements of AS 1636 Tractor Roll Over Protective Structures – Criteria and Tests or AS 2294 Earth Moving Protective Structures.

Who Can I Contact for Technical Information on ROPS?

For technical information you can contact the supplier or manufacturer of the ROPS or the Workcover Rural Industry Team.

Where Can I Purchase My ROPS?

You can purchase your approved ROPS from a Farm Machinery Dealership or a ROPS supplier/manufacturer.  Contact Workcover Rural Industry Team for further details.

My ROPS has been damaged, Can I Repair it?

Yes.  Repairs to minor damage of a ROPS may be carried out by a person experienced in ROPS repair.  The repairer must affix a label detailing the repairers name and nature of repairs.

Can I Sell My Tractor Without a ROPS?

Farmers selling or leasing a tractor to another person have the same obligations as those who are in the business of supplying or leasing tractors. Therefore in all cases a tractor must be fitted with a ROPS before use, sale or lease.

Can I Get An Exemption From Fitting a ROPS to My Tractor?

No.  It is unlikely that an exemption will be granted.  However, if you fell it is warranted an application may be made in writing to the General Manager of Workcover NSW for an exemption from the Regulation.  The Workcover Rural Industry Team should be contacted for a format for the application.

Will There Be Any Enforcement Activities Associated With The ROPS Rebate Scheme?

Yes.  The same way as all other Occupational Health and Safety, Workers Compensation and Injury Management laws in NSW are enforced.  Farms are workplaces and are liable to be visited by OHS inspectors at any time.

Workcover has recently established the Rural Industry Team and expanded Country Teams to investigate rural accidents and complaints as well as carry out industry specific compliance projects.  Workcover staff are also available to provide you with the necessary information for you to meet your statutory obligations.

How Do I Get My Rebate?

Fill out an Application Form (available from Workcover) and send it, together with a copy of your ROPS invoice/receipt to:  ROPS Rebate, Australian Centre for Agricultural Health & Safety, PO Box 256 Moree  NSW  2400.  For a copy of the Application Form contact 1800

300377.  Allow at least 4 weeks for processing of your application.

Will the Fitting of a ROPS change the Way My Tractor Operates?

The fitting of a ROPS will increase the height of your tractor, be mindful of this especially when entering sheds, structures or driving under trees or power lines.

Can I Modify a ROPS to Fit My Tractor?

No.  ROPS can not be modified in any way.  This includes any welding, cutting or drilling of the ROPS.  A modified ROPS will have to be tested to ensure it meets the requirements of AS 1636/AS2294 before it can be reinstalled on the tractor.

© 2008 Wakool Shire Council
This page: http://www.wakool.local-e.nsw.gov.au/faqs/pages/41426.html