According to the National Agriculture Tractor Safety Initiative, research shows that, when used together, Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) and seatbelts are 98% effective in preventing tractor-related injuries and deaths. A ROPS and fastened seat belt help to provide a safety zone that may reduce the chance of serious injury or death in the case of a rollover accident. June is the National Safety Council’s Safety Month, and Kubota Tractor Corporation reminds all equipment users to always make time for safety when operating equipment.
“The best advice for operators relative to ROPS and seat belts is to put 'em on, keep 'em on,” says Greg Embury, vice president of sales and marketing, Kubota Tractor Corporation. “National Safety Month provides us with an important reminder to use the safety features on equipment consistently and to pay close attention to all safety practices before using tractors, lawn and garden equipment, construction equipment and utility vehicles, too.”
Retrofit Older Tractors with ROPS and Seatbelt
An alarming number of fatal farm accidents and injuries occur every year, with overturned tractors accounting for nearly 50% of the tractor fatalities. Sadly, the extent of these injuries and fatalities may have been lessened with the use of ROPS and fastened seatbelts.
Kubota has provided ROPS as standard equipment since 1985. Older models that do not have a ROPS can be retrofitted; in fact, Kubota offers a ROPS program to equip older model tractors with a ROPS and seat belt. As part of Kubota’s continued effort to promote the installation and use of a ROPS and seat belt, Kubota Tractor Corporation is offering a special price for a ROPS and seat belt safety system through its nationwide network of dealers. To date, Kubota dealers throughout the country have installed more than 11,500 ROPS retrofits.
Kubota supports safety education for its customers and their families by sponsoring the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day educational program, part of an effort designed to make safety education and training available for children year-round.
Additional information about Kubota’s support of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day education program, along with safety information including Kubota’s “Ten Commandments of Tractor Safety,” a safety podcast, and a downloadable tractor safety coloring book can be found at www.kubota.com.
