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Fatal Tractor Overturns: Don't Let Them Roll Over You!, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Tractors/Logging

To prevent tractor injuries:

• All tractors should be equipped with a Roll Over Protective Structure (ROPS) and a seat belt.
• Tractors should be equipped with front-end counterweights and tractor wheels
• should be weighted to increase stability.
• Community farm safety training with safe operating procedures and hazard identification should be offered to novice or limited- experience operators.

Fatal Injuries Due To Logs Rolling Off Trucks At Sawmills, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Tractors/Logging

Logging is one of the most hazardous occupations in the nation as well as Kentucky. During 1994-1998, 45 fatalities in Kentucky were related to logging. Of those deaths, 7 were due to logs rolling off trucks at sawmills. The workers were all males and aged 31-64 years. Their experience varied from less than 1 year to more than 25 years. Below are brief case reports of three fatal events, followed by recommendations for prevention of similar events.

Chain Saw Hazard Alert, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Tractors/Logging

A review of 74 cases of chain saw injuries to Kentucky farmers revealed that most occurred while the farmers were clearing fence lines. Most of the injuries occurred in the spring, from March through April, and in the fall, from October through November. As for time of day, most happened in the morning, from 8:30 to 10, and in the early afternoon, from 12 to 3.

Described below are two representative incidents, followed by recommendations for prevention of similar injuries.

!!Tractor Hazard Alert!!, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Tractors/Logging

Since January, at least six Kentucky farmers have been killed in tractor rollovers in which terrain changes caused by recent heavy rainfalls were a factor. In addition to mud and wet, slick grass, the rain created marshy areas and holes where none had been before; often these places are invisible due to weeds and tall grass.

!!Logging Hazard Alert!!, Kentucky Injury Prevention And Research Center

Kentucky Haz Alerts--Tractors/Logging

In just a little over two years, at least 16 Kentucky loggers have been killed as a result of being struck by falling trees or branches (12), or by logs falling from trucks they were unloading (4).

Described below are two representative fatal incidents, followed by our recommendations for prevention of similar incidents.