According to the Agricultural Industry Fatality Report 2019–20 to 2023–24, tractors were involved in five of the nine fatalities caused by moving objects in the last reporting year, making them the single deadliest piece of machinery on Australian farms.
Tractors are essential for day-to-day farm operations, but they can be unforgiving when safety systems are ignored or routine tasks are rushed. Many fatal incidents involve rollovers, runovers, unsafe hitching, or poor visibility around machinery. The good news is that these risks are highly preventable with the right systems and habits in place.
Key Safety Precautions Every Operator Should Take
1. Always Use Roll-Over Protection and Seatbelts
Tractors must be fitted with a compliant ROPS under s. 216 of the WHS Regulations 2011, and seatbelts should always be worn if installed. Never operate tractors without these protections in place.
2. Start Safely: From the Driver’s Seat Only
Many runovers occur when tractors are started from the ground. Always:
- Enter from a safe position.
- Adjust the seat and controls before starting.
- Start only from the seated position.
- Never step down from a moving tractor.
- Engage the park brake and remove the key when finished.
3. Keep Bystanders, Especially Children, Away
Children should never ride on tractors or be near moving machinery. Passengers are only permitted when there is a designated seat and seatbelt within the ROPS structure.
4. Maintain Safe Operating Practices
Even on familiar terrain, control can be lost quickly. To reduce risk:
- Reduce speed before turning or braking.
- Descend slopes in low gear using engine compression.
- Reverse up steep slopes, not forward.
- Avoid floodwater, soft ground, and unstable banks.
- Widen wheel tracks on hillsides for added stability.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for ballast and attachments.
5. Follow Proper Hitching Techniques
Unsafe hitching is a major cause of back flips and rollovers. Always:
- Use manufacturer-approved mounting points or drawbars.
- Never hitch above the rear axle or modify drawbar height.
- Ensure all PTO guards are in place before operation.
- Do not exceed towing capacity of your tractor.
6. Maintain Regular Servicing
Routine checks are key to reliable operation and operator safety:
- Inspect ROPS and seatbelts for integrity.
- Clean steps and platforms to prevent slips.
- Stop the engine before servicing or greasing.
- Use rated chocks to prevent unintended movement.
- Use rated stands set up on solid ground.
- Inflate tyres using safe procedures and protective cages where required.
Digital Tools for Safer Tractor Operation
ProcessWorxShield makes it easier to manage tractor safety on your farm. You can:
- Record and track daily pre-start checks.
- Create your own Custom Pre-Start Checklists each tailored to different type of equipment.
- Add new equipment directly through the mobile app, whether you are online or offline.
- Log defects, maintenance, and servicing.
- Report hazards or incidents in real time.
Let’s Make Tractor Safety Routine, Not Reactive
Tractor-related deaths are often preventable. Most incidents don’t stem from unusual or complex scenarios, they happen during everyday work, when habits and systems break down. ProcessWorxAg can help you implement practical safety procedures, train staff on best practice operation, and ensure you’re meeting your WHS obligations. Whether it’s one tractor or a fleet, safety needs to be non-negotiable.
If you’d like to learn how ProcessWorx can assist with Human Resources or Work Health & Safety, please contact us on 08 9316 9896 or enquiries@processworx.com.au. Also watch an Introduction to ProcessWorx.
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