Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) for Wisconsin: Youth Killed in Tractor Rollover While Moving Large Hay Bales

摘要

On September 15, 2002, an 11 year-old youth died when he was pinned under the tractor he was driving. The victim was working by himself moving large round bales of hay from a field into a row so they could be loaded later. When he didn't return to the farm at the expected time, his brother went to the field and found the victim under the tractor. The brother went to the neighbor's farm about 1 mile away and called for emergency services. He also contacted his parents. Immediately the ambulance crew contacted a larger medical system's medical flight 30 minutes away and they arrived within 5-10 minutes after the call from the victim's brother. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. FACE investigators concluded that, to help prevent similar occurrences, farmers and employers should: (1) Provide tractors equipped with rollover protective structures (ROPS) and seat belts. (2) Ensure that youth are trained in and are aware of the potential hazards associated with operating farm machinery through a formal tractor safety training program intended for youth. (3) Ensure that equipment utilized by youth is appropriate for the size and age of the individual who will be using it. (4) Provide continuous adult supervision for inexperienced or youth workers. (5) Know and comply with federal and state child labor laws that are related to employment of youths in an agricultural setting. (6) Use attachments that are designed to handle large bales, such as grapples and rear-end bale spears.