Development of Quick Response (QR) Training of Tractor Component Identification, Function, Maintenance, and Safety.

Given the high variability of secondary agricultural teacher background and facility constraints, the instruction of tractor (and similar agricultural machinery) component identification, function, maintenance, and corresponding safety precautions oftentimes prove difficult and/or inconsistent. This study focused on the development and plausible application of quick response codes, commonly referred to as QR codes, placed on a demonstration tractor or machine to be used as a self-guided student learning experience for training the next generation of safe operators. This review documents a novel self-guided instruction methodology utilizing "gamification" learning theory. Content materials were derived from the nationally disseminated, open source, Gearing Up for Safety Production Agriculture Safety Training for Youth curriculum. Specifically, QR code learning modules were recommended to supplement Gearing Up for Safety, Lesson 16: Hands-On Tractor Operation of the youth worker certification component of the Pre-Operational Skills Exam.

Indiana Farm Occasional Wood Cutter Fatalities Involving Individuals 55 Years and Older.

Forestry activities, such as tree cutting and harvesting of forest resources, have been documented as dangerous tasks with increased risk of injuries and fatalities. These hazards are well known in the professional logging community, but less attention is given to farmers who perform occasional tree trimming and cutting activities, especially for the older farmer population. This study examined Indiana farm work-related fatalities from 1988 to 2017 involving farmers 55 years and older who performed occasional wood cutting activities. Fatality cases were mined from the Purdue University Agricultural Safety and Health Program's fatality database. A total of 40 fatality cases were reported, representing 10.3% of all reported farm fatalities of farmers 55 years and older over the time period. The average age of the victims was 67.4, with 65% of cases involving victims 65 years or older. All victims were males. Wood cutting fatalities increased over the observation period. The most frequently reported fatal injury type was being crushed by tree or tree limbs, with 16 cases (40%), and the most common cause of fatality was due to cutting and trimming of trees, with 27 cases (67.5%). It was determined that the incidents were largely preventable and that future injury prevention strategies should address the risks associated with aging, the added risk of being struck by limbs or trees due to unsafe felling practices, the need for appropriate personal protective equipment, and the hazards involved in operating agricultural tractors in wooded areas.

Accessing and operating agricultural machinery: Advancements in assistive technology for users with impaired mobility.

This research focused on the advancements made in enabling agricultural workers with impaired mobility to access and operate off-road agricultural machinery. Although not a new concept, technological advancements in remote-controlled lifts, electronic actuators, electric over hydraulic controllers, and various modes of hand controls have advanced significantly, allowing operators with limited mobility to resume a high level of productivity in agricultural-related enterprises. In the United States, approximately 1.7% of the population is living with some form of paralysis or significant mobility impairment. When paired with the 2012 USDA Agriculture Census of 3.2 million farmers, it can be extrapolated that these technologies could impact 54,000 agricultural workers who have encountered disabling injuries or disease, which inhibit their ability to access and operate tractors, combines, and other self-propelled agricultural machines. Advancements in agricultural-specific technologies can allow for many of these individuals to regain the ability to effectively operate machinery once more.

Agricultural Security Monitoring and Safety Alert System: Implementation of Wireless Video on the Farmstead.

Solitary work is common on farmsteads and is often a key contributor to delayed responses to life-threatening incidents. This research focused on applications, system components, mounting considerations, and configuration of automatic video alert systems for agricultural safety and security. This technology can be used to monitor and alert farm managers of workers in high-risk locations and potentially reduce the frequency of fatal or serious-injury incidents. Video monitoring of these sites could also reduce the need for in-person inspections, decreasing direct exposure to such locations. Security applications of the technology allow monitoring of high-value equipment, tools, inputs, and products. Continued development of video-based safety initiatives will lead to better applications for enhancing worker safety, hazard detection, and farm security.

Methods of Collecting and Analyzing Rearward Visibility Data for Agricultural Machinery: Hazard and/or Object Detectability.

Recent interest in rearward visibility for private, construction, and commercial vehicles and documentation of rearward runovers involving bystanders outside the field of vision of the vehicle operator led to an investigation into the need for enhanced methods of rearward visibility for large, off-highway, agricultural equipment. A review of the literature found limited relevant research and minimal data on incidents involving rearward runovers of bystanders and co-workers. This article reviews the findings regarding the methods identified and tested to collect and analyze rearward visibility data, from the operator's perspective, for large self-propelled agricultural equipment, including the four-wheel drive tractors, combines, agricultural sprayers, and skid-steer loaders that are increasingly found on agricultural production sites. The methods identified, largely drawn from research conducted on private and commercial vehicles, were tested to determine their application in identifying rearward blind spots. These methods are described, and the findings from field-testing of specific machines are provided. Recommendations include establishing an appropriate engineering standard regarding rearward visibility of agricultural equipment with limited rearward vision and the use of rearward alarm systems for warning bystanders of rearward movement.

Determining the Effectiveness of Mirrors and Camera Systems in Monitoring the Rearward Visibility of Self-Propelled Agricultural Machinery.

This study concerned the ability of operators of tractors and other self-propelled agricultural machinery to visually recognize objects and/or hazards within close proximity to the rear of those machines and/or any implements in tow, especially when backing up. It was hypothesized that the data collected would identify the factors affecting rearward visibility and help determine the effectiveness of two backup-assisting devices (i.e., mirrors and camera systems) in enhancing the operator's ability to observe objects or hazards. The study's experimental design involved the following: (1) selecting nine self-propelled machines for testing (five tractors of varying sizes, a combine, a sprayer, a skid steer loader, and a UTV); (2) laying out a five cell by five cell test grid behind each machine, with an indicator pole centered in each cell; (3) positioning the mirrors (exterior/interior) and camera system (camera and display monitor) for maximum visibility; and (4) collecting images from a 50th percentile male operator's eye midpoint position. The findings were recorded graphically onto a master grid for the backup-assisting devices (both individually and in combination) on each machine. Analysis of the results confirmed that various issues related to the machines impact the effectiveness of mirrors and camera systems in enhancing rearward visibility. Among them are the operator station's design and configuration, seat adjustability, optional accessories, exterior lighting, type of implement in tow, hitching method, and highway transport mode. These findings led to recommendations relative to each of the mirrors and camera systems, as well as observations of operator interactions with accessories and perceived effects on the operator's ability to view obstructed areas in close proximity to the machinery.