Effectiveness of roll-over protective structures in reducing farm tractor fatalities

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect iveness of roll-over protection structures (ROPS) as an engineering control for prevention of fatalities from farm tractor roll-overs. Methods: Using a systematic approach to literature searching, relevant stud ies from peer-reviewed journals, technical and government reports, and unpu blished reports were retrieved. Studies meeting initial criteria for possib le inclusion were screened to determine whether they addressed the review t opic (ROPS), included comparison data and included outcomes data such as in jury or fatality. Articles that evaluated the use and impact of POPS on ope rators of agricultural tractors were reviewed. Outcomes included two primar y categories: implementation of ROPS and fatalities. Main Results: Of a total 207 citations reviewed, 53 met initial screening c riteria and 21 studies were included in this review. Farm tractor roll-over s result in approximately 200 fatalities per year in the United States. ROP S or crush-proof cabs, which are designed to protect the farmer during a ro ll-over incident, are currently used on only about 50% of the estimated 4.8 million tractors in the United States. A significant proportion of tractor s built after 1985 (when manufacturers began implementing a voluntary ROPS standard) have had ROPS removed. Evidence from Sweden and other Northern Eu ropean countries clearly demonstrates that ROPS can essentially eliminate r oll-over fatalities. In the United States, the only fatalities associated w ith roll-overs of POPS-equipped tractors occurred when farmers did not use a seatbelt to hold them within the protective envelope of the POPS. Estimat es of casts of programs to retrofit older tractors with POPS range from app roximately $500,000 to $900,000 per life saved, which is comparable to othe r accepted life-saving interventions. Conclusions: Future research efforts should include the development of coll apsible and telescoping POPS that can be used in low clearance areas such a s dairy barns and fruit orchards. POPS retrofits also need to be developed for many older tractor models. Effective educational and incentive programs need to be developed to increase the acceptance and use of POPS among U.S. farmers. A national policy should be implemented to ensure that all tracto rs operated in the United States are equipped with POPS or crush-proof cabs .