5189.0: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 3:00 PM

Abstract #24360

Model Legislation for Tractor Risk Abatement and Control

Melvin L. Myers, MPA1, Kelley Donham, DVM2, Risto Rautiainen, MS3, and Stephen J. Reynolds, PhD, CIH3. (1) retired, 1293 Berkeley Road, Avondale Estates, GA 30002-1517, 404-288-7085, melmyers@bellsouth.net, (2) Iowa's Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, The University of Iowa, 100 Oakdale Campus - 124 IREH, Iowa City, IA 52242-5000, (3) Great Plains Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, The University of Iowa, 100 Oakdale Campus - 124 IREH, Iowa City, IA 52242-5000

Tractor-related incidents are the leading cause of deaths on farms. In 1997, a group of 28 stakeholders met at the University of Iowa to agree on consensus actions for reducing the heavy toll of deaths and injuries related to the operation agricultural tractors. The group developed a list of 25 actions needed to reduce the number of tractor overturns, runovers, and traffic collisions, as well as injuries to youth operators of tractors. If implemented, these actions would save 2,000 lives from tractor-related incidents by the year 2015. Following this meeting, model legislation for both state and Federal governments was developed that would aid in establishing an effective public policy for implementing these actions. The model legislation provides for the governmental action needed to save these lives. It includes findings and definitions; research, incentive, and regulatory programs; and authorization for appropriations.

Learning Objectives: 1. List the leading types if incidents that cause tractor-related deaths. 2. Identify five interventions that are known to prevent tractor-related injuries. 3. Articulate the major elements of model legislation needed to prevent tractor-related injuries.

Keywords: Agricultural Work Safety, Motor Vehicles

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA