Margherita Micheletti Cremasco1, Federica Caffaro2, Ambra Giustetto1, Lucia Vigoroso, Giuseppe Paletto, Eugenio Cavallo3. 1. 9314 University of Torino, Italy. 2. 518738 Institute for Agricultural and Earthmoving Machines (IMAMOTER) of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Torino, Italy. 3. 9327 Institute for Agricultural and Earthmoving Machines (IMAMOTER) of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Torino, Italy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify the critical behaviors that may hinder the correct use of foldable rollover protective structures (FROPS) on tractors and to explore the influence of user factors and FROPS technical characteristics. BACKGROUND: FROPS are effective in preventing fatal injuries in rollover accidents if they are in the upright position. However, many farmers leave FROPS folded down. METHOD: Twenty farmers and sixteen models of tractors were involved in the study. Operators were observed while raising the FROPS, and the observed behaviors were correlated with user factors and FROPS technical features. RESULTS: In the initial rotation of the FROPS, higher lowered roll-bar to ground distance and FROPS pivot-pin to ground distance required more awkward and unbalanced postures (p = .02 and p = .01, respectively). When rotating the FROPS in upright position, smaller stature of the participants and higher FROPS pivot-pin to ground distance were significantly correlated with using the tractor's rear 3-point lower links as a supporting surface (p = .01 and p = .02, respectively). CONCLUSION: FROPS might be revised considering users' comfort in use and anthropometric variability, to improve reachability, avoid risky behaviors, and enhance FROPS operation. APPLICATION: Technical solutions to enhance FROPS accessibility may be developed, particularly by providing safe surfaces to support operators and highlighting the grasping points. Further best practices and information on correct gestures to handle the FROPS should be included in the tractor manual.
OBJECTIVE: To identify the critical behaviors that may hinder the correct use of foldable rollover protective structures (FROPS) on tractors and to explore the influence of user factors and FROPS technical characteristics. BACKGROUND: FROPS are effective in preventing fatal injuries in rollover accidents if they are in the upright position. However, many farmers leave FROPS folded down. METHOD: Twenty farmers and sixteen models of tractors were involved in the study. Operators were observed while raising the FROPS, and the observed behaviors were correlated with user factors and FROPS technical features. RESULTS: In the initial rotation of the FROPS, higher lowered roll-bar to ground distance and FROPS pivot-pin to ground distance required more awkward and unbalanced postures (p = .02 and p = .01, respectively). When rotating the FROPS in upright position, smaller stature of the participants and higher FROPS pivot-pin to ground distance were significantly correlated with using the tractor's rear 3-point lower links as a supporting surface (p = .01 and p = .02, respectively). CONCLUSION: FROPS might be revised considering users' comfort in use and anthropometric variability, to improve reachability, avoid risky behaviors, and enhance FROPS operation. APPLICATION: Technical solutions to enhance FROPS accessibility may be developed, particularly by providing safe surfaces to support operators and highlighting the grasping points. Further best practices and information on correct gestures to handle the FROPS should be included in the tractor manual.
Entities:
Keywords:
agriculture; foldable rollover protective structure; safety; tractor; user factors
Authors: Lucia Vigoroso; Federica Caffaro; Margherita Micheletti Cremasco; Eugenio Cavallo Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-08-17 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Enrico Capacci; Bruno Franceschetti; Andrew Guzzomi; Valda Rondelli Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-06-17 Impact factor: 3.390