A Task-Based Analysis of Machinery Entanglement Injuries Among Western Canadian Farmers

Abstract

Machinery entanglements are a leading cause of hospitalized injury on Canadian farms. This study evaluates the role farm tasks play in the occurrence of machinery entanglement events. A retrospective case series of 41 entanglement injuries involving 35 farm-machinery types was assembled. Only a few limited tasks were implicated in the majority of entanglements. These tasks were as follows: (1) field adjustments of machinery; (2) product handling and conveyance; and (3) driveline attachments and servicing. Hazards inherent and common to these tasks affected the behavior of farmers, leading to entanglements. This study establishes a need to identify hazards and assess risks associated with different tasks involving the use of farm machinery under actual field situations. Systemic changes are required to improve existing machinery safety practices through engineering, work methods, and work practice modifications. In addition to design solutions, occupational health and safety strategies should consider activities associated with hazardous situations to inform the content of injury prevention efforts.

Investigation of UK Farmer Go/No-Go Decisions in Response to Tractor-Based Risk Scenarios

“…A missing shield means a farmer could come into contact with the PTO shaft, which can cause serious injury. 27 Despite this 20% of the current sample indicated they would probably proceed without a PTO shield in place, though they would take additional care. This is problematic as research shows the majority of PTO injuries often occur during a busy period.…”

“…This is problematic as research shows the majority of PTO injuries often occur during a busy period. 27 Thus, despite starting a task with the intention to compensate for the lack of shielding, external factors may cause the farmer to engage with the machinery.…”

Safety Improvements on Wood Chippers Currently in Use: A Study on Feasibility in the Italian Context

“…This brings operators into close contact with components that may present a risk of entanglement [15,17,18]. Risky behavior is also the result of operators not reading operation manuals, particularly the safety warnings [19,20] and often not noticing or understanding the safety instructions and the pictograms affixed on the machine [21,22].…”

“…An additional factor regarding occupational injuries is the incorrect behavior of machine operators during field adjustment [9,14,15]: for example, when removing obstructions from the machinery without turning off the machine or after removing protective devices [16]. This brings operators into close contact with components that may present a risk of entanglement [15,17,18].…”

Concept Identification for a Power Take-Off Shielding Campaign

“…Although PTO injuries make up only 15% of agriculture-related injuries, they result in about 40% of agriculture-related health care costs. 5 Most often, PTO entanglements occur when a person is standing on the ground near a running PTO (25% of the time) versus when they are participating in activities such as maintenance, mounting or dismounting equipment, stepping or reaching over a PTO, driving or riding on equipment, slipping, or participating in other miscellaneous actions. 4 Frequently, entanglements involve augers, elevators, and conveyors; this equipment is stationary and contributes to 44%-69% of PTO entanglements.…”