TRACTOR OVERTURNS

Last updated 1/16/03

Tractor overturns result in more farm work fatalities than any other farm accident. There is a federal labor standard which requires a roll-over protective structure (ROPS) on almost all agricultural tractors built since 1976 when operated by employees. However, many tractors built earlier are still in use and many purchased since that time did not have a ROPS or it has been removed. Using the safety belt on a ROPS-equipped tractor virtually eliminates tractor overturn fatalities. Older tractors, which account for most fatalities, are likely to be used by less experienced operators such as part-time farmers and young people.

A tractor features heavy construction, but there are some parts which have little structural strength, such as sheet metal parts. All supports and jacks should be positioned so that the tractor is supported by its frame, ROPS or engine Block. Avoid supporting or jacking by the wheels, since the differential will allow the wheel to turn.

Most tractor overturns occur to the side. Typical causes include hitting an obstacle, operating on steep slopes, using front-end loaders and operating at excessive speeds. In most cases there was an implement attached to the tractor or being towed. This attached equipment can increase the severity of the accident and complicate rescue operations.

Rear overturns are less frequent than sideways rollovers, but are more likely to be fatal. The operator has a greater opportunity to jump or be thrown clear in a sideways rollover. In a rear upset, however, the operator very rarely has sufficient reaction time to jump and nowhere to go if he or she does have time. The tractor usually crushes the victim against the seat and steering wheel. Typical causes of rear overturns are hitching to a point other than the drawbar, going up steep slopes and trying to free a stuck tractor.

Be aware that the rear tires are usually filled with a solution of calcium chloride and water for extra weight. The solution may contain as much as five pounds calcium chloride per gallon of water to increase the weight and to provide freeze protection. This makes the tires dangerously heavy and rear tractor tires should be handled with a forklift, loader or hoist to prevent injury. As an example, a 20.8 - 38 tractor tire will hold 140 gallons of water, an added weight of 1168 pounds. A solution of five pounds calcium chloride per gallon of water will require 114 gallons of water and 570 pounds calcium chloride. This solution will add 1521 pounds to the weight of each tire and remain slush-free to -53F.

Injuries to Expect

Typically, the victim will experience crushing injuries such as broken bones, lacerations and contusions. Head, chest and pelvic injuries should be expected as well, with the possibility of internal injuries such as collapsed lungs. Examine the patient as in any traumatic accident situation. In all cases, move the patient as little as possible. Always suspect spinal cord injury and serious internal injuries.

Additional injuries or dangers may be present due to spilled fuel, battery acid, hot engine coolant and hydraulic fluid (which may be hot).

Rescue Procedures

It is important that an adequate number of personnel respond to the scene to provide care to the patient and to have enough personnel to safely accomplish the rescue.
Shut off the engine and stabilize the scene. Be careful of placement of jacks and supports to prevent unexpected shifting during the rescue operation. Remove the batteries and minimize risk of fire. Keep a charged fire hose and fire extinguishers ready.
Determine the nature and seriousness of injuries and plan the extrication. Look for injuries such as acid burns and burns from spilled coolant and other fluids.
If the ground is soft, it may be possible to dig the patient out from under the tractor. Adequate support must be given to keep the tractor from shifting or settling further.
Lifting the tractor is preferable to rolling the tractor off the patient. When a tractor is rolled by raising one side, the other side may sink or shift further and crush the patient even more. If the tractor is large, consider lifting the tractor with another tractor, tow truck, forklift or crane. There may be times, however, when it will be impossible to reach the scene with suitable lifting equipment. In these cases, it will be necessary to raise the tractor with jacks and/or air bags to free the patient.
DO NOT raise the tractor by the wheels. Attach the hoists to the rear axles and the front axle pivot. Secure the tractor with chains to ensure that the tractor will not slip sideways. Drape tarps over the hoist chains to keep them from whipping through the air if they break.
Add cribbing as the tractor is raised. Use only solid wood cribbing materials. Do not use concrete blocks for support as they may break. All non-essential persons should stay back at least the length of the longest chain during the lifting process.