Citation

Kelsey TW, Jenkins PL, May JJ. J. Agric. Saf. Health 1996; 2(2): 35-42.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, American Society of Agricultural Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Evidence suggests that rollover protective structures (ROPS) can significantly reduce the risk of fatal injury from tractor rollovers. Comparatively few farm tractors, however, have ROPS. This study uses responses to a telephone survey of New York farmers to examine whether lack of awareness of retrofits or the cost of retrofitting are barriers to farmer adoption of ROPS. The results suggest that cost is not the major barrier; about 40% of owners of tractors currently without ROPS claimed they would never put a rollbar or cab on their tractor, even if such a retrofit was free. The age of tractor and owner, and usability and storage concerns were important influences on farmers' attitudes towards ROPS.