Citation

Sorensen JA, May JJ, Jenkins PL, Jones AM, Earle-Richardson GB. J. Agric. Saf. Health 2006; 12(3): 215-226.

Affiliation

New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health, Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, New York 13326, USA. jsorensen@nycamh.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, American Society of Agricultural Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16981445

Abstract

The prevalence of tractor rollovers among agricultural workers has made the retrofitting of tractors with rollover protective structures (ROPS) and seat belts a public health priority for agricultural health and safety specialists. To address this concern, the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) developed a seven-question survey, designed to assess perceptions of risk as well as potential motivators and barriers to retrofitting. Data from 465 phone surveys were gathered from New York State farmers representing various commodities and farm sizes. Analysis of responses to three qualitative questions contained in the survey indicated that most farmers in New York understand the importance of ROPS but lack the proper motivation to consider retrofitting. It appears that more convenient safety strategies, cost, and age of the tractor compete with a farmer's initiative to retrofit. In addition, survey responses illustrate that although many farmers believe ROPS are important in a general sense, many believe that this safety measure is not necessary for them in particular. Frequent motivators to retrofitting are concerns about safety, although the authors conclude that a more thorough analysis of these "general safety concerns" in qualitative interviews is important.

Language: en