Safety Tips For Tractor Operators

While there are plenty of guides out there on how to safely operate a tractor, avoid an accident, or improve worksite safety, there aren’t many tips on how operators can protect themselves while using their machinery. Just like any other large piece of equipment tractors can pose a serious danger to their users, and we recommend reading over our tips below to ensure you’re safe the next time you hop up into the cab.

Clothing

Making plans to head out into the fields with your tractor? Before you hop into the cab make sure you’re wearing the appropriate clothing for the job. Tractors have many moving parts and long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose-fitting clothing are likely to get caught in your machinery—risking potential damage to the machine as well as personal injury.

Tractors without an enclosed cab also won’t provide much protection from the sun, elements, or flying debris that’s common while a tractor is in operation. That’s why we recommend wearing durable close-toed shoes, thick durable denim pants, and a large hat to help protect you from the sun.

Breaks

While it’s much easier to drive a tractor than it is to do the work by hand, operating a tractor is still hard work and it’s important to take breaks regularly throughout the day. Without regular breaks you’re likely to get tired or even sloppy, leading to bad workmanship in the best-case scenario and an accident in the worst-case scenario. We recommend stopping and taking a short 15-minute water break every 2 hours or so, or sooner if temperatures outside are extremely hot.

For more tips on how to successfully and safely operate a tractor, feel free to visit us here at West Hills Tractor in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Our expert staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about owning, operating, or buying a tractor, and we’re always happy to serve those nearby in Johnson City and Greeneville, Tennessee.