Farm Machinery and Left-Hand Turns Meeting Kit

The left-turn collision is the most common type of farm machinery collisions on public roads. It happens when the farm vehicle is about to make a left turn, while the motorist behind the farm vehicle decides to pass.

LEFT HAND TURN DANGERS

The left-hand turn of agricultural machinery vehicles on public roads is particularly risky. After all, around a third of these vehicles’ operating time is spent on these roads – although they were not designed for this purpose, since they often have different dimensions than other road users in terms of length, height and width. Agricultural machines also have wide blind spots and fewer light sources on the vehicle, so their signals are often difficult to see. Other road users must also adapt to their low speeds.

BEST LEFT HAND TURN DRIVING PRACTICES WITH FARM MACHINERY

• Only allow licensed, or appropriately trained, operators to take farm machinery onto the road. Youth who are able to operate machinery in the field may not be able to deal safely with traffic and other road hazards.
• Make sure farm machinery is equipped with the lighting and marking safety devices. Be sure to remind all operators to use the appropriate hazard lights and turn signals when traveling on roads.
• Minimize total vehicle width and secure equipment in the transport position before entering roadways.
• Watch for approaching traffic and vehicles trying to pass. If possible, pull over and let traffic pass safely, but be alert for roadside hazards.
• Obey all traffic laws and signs.
• Signal intentions to motorists and avoid sudden or unexpected maneuvers.
• Exercise additional care when entering roadways, approaching unsigned or “blind” intersections, crossing narrow bridges, going around sharp corners or going over hills.

FARM MACHINERY IS INVOLVED IN MORE THAN ONE IN THREE FARM RELATED DEATHS

Safety Precautions for Machinery and Equipment

• Read and follow the manufacturers’ instructions for operation.
• Don’t remove or modify safety features.
• Ensure that everyone working on the farm is thoroughly familiar with operating procedures and safety requirements for any machinery they use.
• If needed, replace and fit guards to cover the moving parts of machinery – for example, a PTO guard.
• Make sure that tractors are correctly ballasted or weighted for particular jobs.
• Fit falling object protective structures (FOPS) on front-end loaders.
• Keep a well-stocked, up to date first aid kit in an accessible area.
• Always wear appropriate protective and visible clothing.

MACHINERY/EQUIPMENT SAFETY CHECKLIST

Do’s:

• keep all guards in place on tractors and equipment
• ensure PTO shafts are fully guarded (O-guard, U-guard and shaft) and the safety chain is attached
• make sure that all mirrors and cameras (if fitted) are clean and fully functional on tractors.
• keep all windows clean and make sure you check all round before carrying out any manoeuvre
• ensure you have good all-round visibility on tractors and telehandlers
• when pulling heavy machinery equipped with hydraulic brakes, make sure the brakes are connected to the tractor and work properly
• keep the brakes on all your machines properly maintained, especially the parking brakes
• operate tractors with enclosed safety cabs or roll bars
• take care when mounting or dismounting tractors or telehandlers
• only start your tractor from the driver’s seat and make sure that your tractor’s starter system works properly
• check all hitches and linkages to ensure they are not worn or damaged
• make sure equipment is stopped fully before clearing blockages, which need to be cleared by hand

Donts:

• attempt to repair machinery if you do not have the correct tools and equipment and are not competent.
• run a tractor down a slope to start it.
• check hydraulic pipes for leaks by running your finger along them while they are connected and under pressure.
• work underneath a raised load or implement unless it is adequately propped.
• work near overhead power lines when tipping trailers or using high-reaching machinery.

Farm machinery is involved in more than one in three farm-related deaths.

FARM MACHINERY SAFETY TRAINING FOR WORKERS 

• Supervise inexperienced workers at all times.
• Make sure your workers are thoroughly trained in equipment operation and safety.
• Keep all equipment in good repair.
• Warn workers of potential hazards and insist they undertake training and use equipment safely.
• Only allow a worker to perform a task when you are confident, they can handle it.
• Keep visitors and children well away from operating machinery and warn them of potential hazards.

FINAL WORD

Moving large farm machinery on public roadways is an everyday occurrence. Driving defensively and being aware of other motorists on the roadways are the best ways to avoid collisions.