25 injured in tractor and wagon accident during field trip at orchard in western Wisconsin

Tractor and wagon accident injures 25 on orchard field trip in western Wisconsin

A field trip to an apple orchard in western Wisconsin turned tragic when a tractor pulling a wagon full of people overturned, injuring 25. The accident happened around 10:30 a.m. at the Applewood Orchard in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. The tractor was pulling a wagon full of people on a hayride when it overturned. Twenty-five people were injured in the accident, including 10 children. All of the injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The extent of their injuries is not yet known. The cause of the accident is under investigation. The Pierce County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation. The National Safety Council estimates that there are about 100,000 farm-related injuries each year in the United States. Of those injuries, about 500 are fatal. Tractor rollovers are one of the leading causes of farm-related fatalities. The NSC recommends that farmers use tractors with rollover protection structures (ROPS) to help prevent rollovers. ROPS are frames that are attached to the tractor to protect the operator in the event of a rollover. The NSC also recommends that farmers wear seat belts when operating tractors. Seat belts can help to keep the operator in the seat and prevent them from being thrown from the tractor in the event of a rollover.

What is a rollover protection structure (ROPS)?

A rollover protection structure (ROPS) is a frame that is attached to a tractor to protect the operator in the event of a rollover. ROPS are designed to prevent the operator from being crushed or pinned beneath the tractor in the event of a rollover. ROPS are required by law on all new tractors manufactured after October 25, 1976. ROPS can be installed on older tractors, but it is not required by law. The NSC recommends that all farmers use tractors with ROPS to help prevent rollovers.

What are the benefits of using a ROPS?

ROPS can help to prevent the operator from being crushed or pinned beneath the tractor in the event of a rollover. ROPS can also help to prevent the operator from being thrown from the tractor in the event of a rollover. Studies have shown that ROPS can reduce the risk of death in a tractor rollover by up to 70%. ROPS are a valuable safety device that can help to protect farmers from serious injury or death in the event of a rollover.

Conclusion

The accident at the Applewood Orchard is a reminder of the importance of farm safety. Farmers should take steps to protect themselves from injury, including using tractors with ROPS and wearing seat belts. ROPS can help to prevent rollovers, and seat belts can help to keep the operator in the seat in the event of a rollover. By taking these precautions, farmers can help to reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a tractor accident.