Safety checklist drive to cut fatalities on farms
● Techniques used to help pilots ● Situation awareness is key
A new checklist for Scotland’s farmers similar to that used by airline pilots has been developed by researchers from the University of Aberdeen.
The tractor driver situation awareness checklist, designed by the applied psychology and human factors group at the university, aims to reduce fatal accidents in Britain’s most hazardous industry.
There were 33 fatalities involving farmers recorded by the Health and Safety Executive in 2017/18 in a sign of the industry’s dangers.
Pilots, as well as other professionals such as surgeons, are trained in ‘situation awareness’, which means using nontechnical skills to improve safety and outcomes.
Researchers said situation awareness, which has three levels – perception, comprehension and anticipation – is a key skill to help tackle the factors
0 There were 33 fatalities involving farmers recorded by the Health and Safety Executive in 2017/18
making farming a dangerous occupation.
They asked farmers what they consider to be key situation awareness elements for tractor operation, as well factors that might lead to lapses
– among those identified were distraction, fatigue and stress.
The checklist prompts a number of actions both prior and during driving the vehicle.
These include key checks to be carried out before operating
equipment such as being aware of the location of other vehicles, people and animals, obstructions such as power lines, the condition of the vehicle and having a mobile phone and first-aid kit.
It also lists personal factors for tractor drivers to consider such as illness, stress and fatigue levels.
The document also highlights possible factors which can lead to a loss of situation awareness, increasing the risk of accident or injury.
Dr Amy Irwin, who led the research team, said it was vital to identify the “human factor” that resulted in accidents and fatalities.
“Six of the fatalities during 2017/18 involved being struck by a moving vehicle and workers are also at risk of being entangled in moving machinery,” she said.
“In order to address and reduce these fatalities, it is vital we understand the underlying causes and lapses that lead to these farm vehicle incidents”.
Scott Walker, chief executive of NFU Scotland speaking on behalf of Farm Safety Partnership Scotland, said: “Farmers work long hours and often in difficult conditions.
“Practical measures that help to improve safety on farms is welcome. The tractor checklist helps farmers and crofters be aware of the potential risks they face as they go about their work.
“This has the potential to reduce accidents and I would encourage all to adopt it as part of their routine.”