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Machinery Safety and Ergonomics: A Case Study Research to Augment Agricultural Tracklaying Tractors’ Safety and Usability

Author

Listed:
  • Davide Gattamelata

    (Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy)

  • Leonardo Vita

    (Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy)

  • Mario Fargnoli

    (DIMA, Faculty of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in agricultural activities is an issue of major concern worldwide notwithstanding the ever stricter regulations issued in this sector. In particular, most accidents are related to the use of tractors and the main causes of this phenomenon are due to the lack of rollover protective structures (ROPSs). This happens especially when tractors are used in particular in-field operations that are characterized by limited clearances between tractor and crop rows so that farmers usually use tractors without ROPS (e.g., dismounting it). To solve such a problem, foldable protective structures (FROPSs) have been proposed, which should augment the operator’s protection. However, FROPS’s conventional solutions underestimate the operators’ risk-taking behavior and the widespread misuse of FROPS due to the efforts needed to operate it. The current study aims at contributing to the improvement of the latter issue proposing the development of a novel approach for the implementation of partial assistance systems (PASs) that can reduce the physical effort of the operator when raising/lowering the FROPS. The proposed methodology, which is based on a reverse engineering approach, was verified by means of a practical case study on a tracklaying tractor. Results achieved can contribute to expanding knowledge on technical solutions aimed at improving the human-machinery interaction in the agricultural sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Davide Gattamelata & Leonardo Vita & Mario Fargnoli, 2021. "Machinery Safety and Ergonomics: A Case Study Research to Augment Agricultural Tracklaying Tractors’ Safety and Usability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-22, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8643-:d:615220
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Davide Facchinetti & Stefano Santoro & Lavinia Eleonora Galli & Domenico Pessina, 2021. "Agricultural Tractor Roll-Over Related Fatalities in Italy: Results from a 12 Years Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-14, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Davide Gattamelata & Mario Fargnoli, 2022. "Development of a New Procedure for Evaluating Working Postures: An Application in a Manufacturing Company," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-20, November.

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