Tractors
Don't leave the keys in the ignition as there is a risk that children may get into the tractors unsupervised.
Reverse into parks so the next person to use the tractor approaches from the front so they can see into the bucket to check for children.
2WD Tractors - high risk of loss of control. A 2WD tractor has less grip on the front wheels which freewheel due to being 2WD. Do not operate on slopes in wet conditions. Operate with care in all conditions with awareness of the differences in performance compared to modern tractors. A particular risk is loss of control if the rear wheels lift off the ground due to a heavy weight in the bucket as the front wheels have no wheel brakes or engine braking.
Marshall Trailers used for feeding out tend to slide in wet conditions which can strike other objects, or jack knife against the tractor. There is also a risk that bales stacked in the trailer may be unstable.
PTO shafts don't stop - no loose clothing or long hair to be worn, turn tractor off before attaching. Must have a guard.
Hydraulic oil and pressure - brakes won't work if too low.
Use three points of contact to mount and dismount.
Put in Park and neutral before getting off.
Don’t get on or off a moving tractor.
Learn the no-go zones on farm.
Start the tractor only from the drivers seat.
Blindspots to be spotted when reversing.
Seatbelts must always be worn.
Brake pedals are to be coupled together if on road in case of loss of control.
Most rollovers on flat! Due to overconfidence. Use water in the tyres, keep the loader down.
Weight distribution - heavy rear load takes control off front wheels. Heavy front load can take rear drive wheel off ground which is a problem if you’re not in 4WD.
Terrain
Get out and walk if unsure.
Up hill - select range which will allow you to use a high gear at the bottom of the slope so you can change down, ideally using buttons and without the clutch if revs drop down.
Down hill - select a gear with braking which gives a lot of acceleration potential to regain control in a slide by first removing brakes, then increasing revs, then moving up to 2nd, 3rd and then 4th gear.
Drive straight up or down ideally. Diff lock can help prevent single wheel lock up but makes turning difficult.
If uncomfortable driving sideways on a hill, or if traction is lost turn up hill.
Most farm tractor tyres are not suitable for steep hill work. Hard walled low profile tyres are needed for steep tractor work, or alternative means such as crawler or aerial application are to be used.
Differential braking can help with turning or maintaining direction on slopes.
Embankments, edges can give way or tractor can slide.
Road - drivers license required. Avoid overloading and over length. Use a rated safety chain.
Overhead lines - keep driving if you hit power lines then call anyone you could expect to be around and Network Waitaki.
Birds nests - leave bonnets up because then the next person has to check for nests.
Familiarise yourself with how to remove fire extinguisher so there’s no delay when you have to do it in a hurry.
Drive to the conditions and your ability.
Always making decisions based on the fact it can kill you. Don’t drive the tractor if you are rushed, or if you are tired or sick.
Implements
When helping attach implements don’t move between the tractor and implement unless you’ve confirmed the tractor is in park.
Always have a run out with the silage wagon.
Never put your hand under the monkey of the post driver.
Never leave a mower running when you get off.
Never unblock a baler while running.
Don’t work or walk underneath hydraulic equipment.
Don’t work near hydraulic hoses under pressure.
Position forks safely when driving on road: arms up with forks down in general but watch for overhead lines. Down if have a bale on.
When pulling out onto the road mind your FEL protruding out.
Double check FEL attachments when attaching with the quick hitch as if they jump off they go under the tractor and rip off the sump which is a write off situation. Not to mention loss of control.
No passengers unless it can’t be avoided.
Use the flashing beacon.
Fire extinguisher and first aid kit in tractor.
Keep doors unlocked at all times.
Consider phone reception areas.
Emergency Procedures: Roll over.
Once control is lost brace yourself.
Turn key off.
Exit the tractor and keep clear in case it rolls further.
Call 111 if you are injured.
Call the farm manager and owner. They will call H&S manager to start internal investigation.
Leave scene undisturbed for insurance assessor.
Emergency Procedures: Come across roll over.
Check your own safety entering the site - i.e. powerlines down, tractor may roll further, fire risk, engine still on, power still on.
Give first aid, assess injuries as required.
Call 111 if there are injuries.
Call farm manager and owner. They will call H&S manager to start internal investigation.
Leave scene undisturbed for insurance assessor, Worksafe.
Emergency Procedures: Tractor Fire
Exit tractor with fire extinguisher.
If safe to do so, discharge the entire fire extinguisher while leaving bonnet closed.
Fire extinguisher may not be sufficient. Keep clear of the fire and don’t re-enter tractor.
Call farm manager and owner.
Pull over to use phone - calls/txt etc.
Tractors are a major hazard and cause a large proportion of accidents, death and injury on farms. Below is a selection of resources on tractor safety:
Worksafe Tractor Safety:
WSNZ-2284-SF-Safe-use-of-Tractors-IS-v2-0.pdf