Page 6 - Farm Safely Handbook 2018

FARM MACHINES
FARM MACHINES Operating Farm Vehicles and Machinery
Farm vehicles and machinery are the main causes of fatalities on the farm. The combination of farm vehicles (30%) and machinery (20%) represents half of all farm fatalities spanning over the period of the last ten years.
Accidents can happen for the machine operator and bystanders. While the manufacturers of farm machinery and vehicles take every measure to ensure their products are safe this does not mean hazards are 100% removed. A large proportion of accidents occur as a result of human error. A farmer operating a vehicle might not have payed enough attention, kept the machine in the right condition or took a shortcut.
There are several specific areas related to machinery and vehicles that can cause serious injury, the loss of a limb and even death. These are:
• Being entangled (PTO) • Being crushed under a
machine part
• Being caught in a
machine mechanism
• Being struck by a trailer or machine • Being crushed between a vehicle
and a machine
• Being struck by a flying
machine-object
A high percentage of farm deaths are a direct result of being trapped or caught under a machine part at 67%. The correct management and maintenance of tractors and other machinery is vital in order to prevent fatalities.
Deaths due to Tractors and Farm Vehicles 2008-2017 (30% of Farm Fatalities).
Fall from vehicle 4.6% Impact 5.8%
Struck by 17%
Crushed/trapped 43.67% Pierced 1.2%
Source: Health & Safety Authority
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