Overturning tractors and other self-propelled vehicles

What you should know

All vehicles can overturn.  Accidents on slopes are not confined to hilly or mountainous regions.  They happen just as easily on or near banks, ditches, drains, ramps, uneven or flat ground.  Vehicles can also overturn on artificial slopes such as ramps, or when performing tasks such as rolling silage,

When working on slopes the main risks are:

What you need to do

1.  Plan the job.

Before working on slopes you should assess the risks.  Factors to consider include:

2.  Select a suitable vehicle fitted with a roll over protective structure (ROPS)

A roll bar or safety cab is designed to provide protection for the operator if the vehicle overturns.  Where roll over protection is fitted, you should also have a lap belt or seat restraint fitted if a machine will be used in situations where there is a risk of overturning.

To reduce the risk of an overturn:

You may only use a tractor or self-propelled machine without ROPS in low-risk situations such as buildings and orchards or where specific exemptions exist.

3.  Work safely

Always use safe systems of work when working on slopes.  For example:

To reduce the risk of injury from an overturn:

Anyone who is required to drive on slopes should receive adequate training so they are aware of the hazards, understand the factors influencing the risks and are able to perform safe driving techniques.

2021-07-15