Citation

Hammer W. J. Agric. Eng. Res. 1991; 50: 219-237.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0021-8634(05)80016-2

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Almost 50% of all tractor accidents occur when mounting and especially when dismounting from tractors. Technical measures seem to be insufficient for effective safety improvement. Knowledge of man's behaviour or misbehaviour may be of more importance. An analysis has been made of activities and near accidents of farm workers. From a total of237 farmers interviewed, 87% reported a near-accident and its circumstances. Two-thirds of these near-accidents occurred when dismounting from tractors. Modern tractors with cabins do not decrease the risk. The major causes of accidents are dirty and wet steps, which is common in bad weather, approaching the first step when mounting, slipping, jumping and getting caught when dismounting. Somatographic drawings (anthropometrically scaled contours of the human body and its posture at work) present instructive and cheap models to describe and analyse body postures related to alternative workplace design. Experiments were carried out with subjects mounting and dismounting a tractor access simulator. The motions of these subjects were studied and their subjective ratings were gathered. Significant results enabled ergonomic and safe design features such as dimensions and positions of steps, handrails, doors and controls to be specified, that may lead to improved safety in operation.

Language: en