Prominent Barriers and Key Motivators to Installing ROPS

Background and Objectives: Tractor rollovers are the leading cause of work-related agricultural fatalities, however, rollover protective structures (ROPS) can eliminate the risk of death in the event of a rollover. This study identified motivators and barriers to installing ROPS. Methods: Farms with low proportions of ROPS protected tractors in Vermont and Pennsylvania were surveyed on: 1) the proportion of retrofitted tractors, 2) previous retrofitting history, and 3) different motivators and barriers to retrofitting. Surveys were completed by 104 Pennsylvania farmers and 193 Vermont farmers who met inclusion criteria. Comparisons of the importance of different motivators and barriers will be made between: retrofitters and non-retrofitters, Vermont and Pennsylvania farmers, and different age and gender groups. Results: Initial analyses indicate farmer's confidence in their tractor-operator experience, the cost to install ROPS and working on flat land were most frequently listed as “Very Important” barriers in both PA and VT. Motivators that were most frequently listed as “Very Important” in both states were: 1) worker liability, 2) working on hilly land and 3) working around ditches. Additional analysis will be completed in the coming months. Conclusions: The results indicate barriers and motivators to retrofitting are relatively consistent between Vermont and Pennsylvania. Further analyses will allow researchers to provide an initial assessment of whether motivators and barriers to retrofitting are fairly homogenous in different farm populations. Identifying these motivators and barriers will help researchers implement more effective ROPS installation programs.