Tractor Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Rebate Scheme 1997/98

Background

Program Goals:

In the state of Victoria, Australia: To facilitate the fitment of ROPS to all previously unprotected tractors and to provide information and awareness to farmers to reduce the risk of fatality and severity of injury should a tractor rollover occur

Intent:

Unintentional

Risk Factors Addressed:

Tractor rollover protective structures, with seatbelt use, are designed to protect tractor operators in case of an accidental overturn

Place of occurrence:

Farm

Age/Age Range:

Adult males

Resources

Year Developed:

1997

Collaborative Organization(s):

Funds were provided by the Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA), participating farmers, and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF)

Funding Resource(s):

VWA allocated part of their annual state budget as funding for the program

Costs:

Farmers were expected to pay for the ROPS (apr.$500 AU) plus fitment to their tractor (apr $100AU), minus the rebate $150AU.

Implementation

Context/Setting:

Farm

Strategies Used:

Evaluation, Education, Engineering, Enactment

Activities Used:

combination of regulation, information and awareness programs, and education

Program Evaluation:

Through Monash University Accident Research Centre, the evaluation used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to describe the effect of the program; short- and long-term benefits of the scheme, potential lives saved; psychological trauma averted; general effects on farm safety; and cost outcome analysis

Source of Best Practice:

Volpe, R., Lewko, J., & Battra, A. (2002). A Compendium of Effective, Evidence-Based Best Practices in Prevention of Neurotrauma. University of Toronto Press, Toronto.

Original Source:

Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program (CAISP). (1999). Hospitalized farm injuries in Canada, 1990-1996. Kingston, ON: Queen’s University

Supplementary Material:

http://www.general.monash.edu.au/muarc/rptsum/es155.htm

Local Example(s):

N/A

Contact Information: 

Dr. Lesley M. Day
Senior Research Fellow
Accident Research Centre
Monash University
Clayton, Victoria
3168 Australia
Tel: 61-3-9905-1811
Email: lesley.day@general.monash.edu.au

Outcomes

Long-term outcomes/Effectiveness:

General effect on farm safety;
Decrease in economic cost 

Short-term outcomes:

Demand for ROPS rebates was substantially higher than in any previous scheme;
Penetration of the scheme extended beyond the VFF to include non-members;

Other Benefits:

Potential to save lives and to avert psychological trauma for families of victims

Other

Date of Review:

2000

Classification:

Best Practice