Media Releases
Tractors account for one in five farm fatalities
9 May 2006
A Motueka man who was fatally crushed when his tractor tipped over a bank was not wearing the seatbelt fitted in the near-new tractor - an oversight that probably cost him his life.
Hudson Boyes was employed to maintain a vineyard and gardens near Motueka. In January 2005, he hired a 2004 Kubota tractor, complete with safety frame and seatbelt. There were clear signs advising the tractor operator to wear the seatbelt, and this information was repeated in the operator instructions of the hire agreement.
Hudson had worked with tractors for most of his life and was familiar with the property, so there was no reason why it shouldn’t have been a straightforward job.
The Department of Labour’s investigation into the accident identified that Hudson lost control of the tractor while mowing the side of a bank covered in heavy grass. The tractor went over the edge of the bank and rolled almost 4m into a creek, dropping him from the seat and landing on him. He was found the next day after failing to return home.
Long grass and blackberry growth along the edge of the bank meant Hudson couldn’t easily identify the edge of the bank. A tree planted near the edge of the bank reduced his driving space.
An action as simple as walking along the bank or fencing along the edge of the creek could have helped define the edge of the bank. But tragically, it was the simplest action which could have played the most important role in saving Hudson’s life - fastening the seatbelt.
Health and safety inspector Ron Burt summed it up: “He’s done all the right things apart from putting the seatbelt on…it could have meant the difference between life and death or serious injury.”
This tragic case featured on Special Investigators, a new reality television show that premiered on TV ONE last night. The show follows inspectors for the Department of Labour, Civil Aviation Authority and Maritime New Zealand as they investigate workplace accidents and fatalities.
Department of Labour chief advisor, health and safety, Mike Cosman said these types of fatalities were all too common.
Tractors are involved in about 20 percent of all fatal injuries on farms. In the past six months, the Department has investigated six farming fatalities under almost identical circumstances to the accident that cost Hudson Boyes his life. None of the victims was wearing a seatbelt.
“Seat belts in tractors are a lifesaver, especially when used in conjunction with a rollover protective structure (ROPS). But a ROPS without a means to keep the driver in the safety zone is next to useless,” Mr Cosman said.
“We would urge all farming families to make it their policy that seat belts are fitted and used in all farm vehicles at all times when there is any risk of an overturn. You wouldn’t let your children ride unrestrained in the car so why let your husband or wife run the same risk?”
TRACTOR SAFETY
- Get to know the intended work area and select equipment that’s appropriate for the location and the task. Consider ground conditions, slope, holes or ditches, power lines etc
- Understand how your equipment works and any safety features - this is especially important if hiring unfamiliar equipment
- Specify a ROPS frame or cab and seat belt and use the seat belt at all times
- In the event of a rollover, stay within the protective cage - don't try and jump out as you may get trapped by the vehicle or the frame
- Guard all power takeoff shafts and other dangerous parts
- Ensure all power is turned off before clearing blockages
- Before getting off a tractor disengage the drive, put the handbrake on and switch off the ignition
- Make sure you have some way of contacting people in an emergency - carry a mobile phone
- Make sure someone knows where you are and when you’re expected back
Don’t carry passengers on a tractor
To the journalist: please note that health and safety services formerly
referred to as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) should now be referred
to as the Department of Labour.
ENDS
