“Ask Me What I Need”: Investigating Users’ Training Needs and Design Requirements to Encourage the Correct Operation of Foldable Rollover Protective Structures

To facilitate tractor operation in case of overhead obstacles, Foldable ROPS (FROPS) have been developed. However, many tractor rollover fatalities occur as frequently the operators leave the FROPS in a folded-down position. In the present study, we performed an ergonomic user-centred analysis of FROPS operation, to identify critical issues in training, provision of information and machine design to promote the correct use of the protective structure. Twenty male farm operators (Mage = 49.4 years, SD = 11.8) were interviewed while manually rising and folding down the rear-mounted FROPS fitted on their tractor. Participants were asked about: 1) the frequency of FROPS operation, 2) information available on the user manuals and training received from the dealers about the correct FROPS handling behaviour, 3) discomfort in use and 4) suggestions for a FROPS re-design to overcome the reported sources of discomfort. The results showed that operator manuals lack specific information regarding FROPS manual handling and they are often left unread. Some training is provided by the dealers but often the operators learn how to operate the protective structure by themselves. Discomfort in grasping the foldable frame was reported by the participants as discouraging the correct FROPS operation. Many participants would have welcomed some FROPS re-design solutions to increase folding frame reachability and to have more stable support for the feet. The results highlighted the need for actions at multiple levels to promote the correct use of rear-mounted FROPS among agricultural operators.