For more safety when working with tractors, a workshop in Vransko: the simulator turns 180 degrees (PHOTO)

A safety training workshop focused on tractor operation took place at the AMZS Safe Driving Centre in Vransko, Slovenia, with participants experiencing a simulated rollover that turned 180 degrees. The event aimed to raise awareness about the dangers associated with using tractors and their attachments, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in agricultural work and road traffic involving farm machinery. The workshop was organized by Zavarovalnica Triglav, the Association of Slovenian Rural Youth, and AMZS, drawing around 200 attendees who had the opportunity to actively participate in various exercises. The primary goal was to inform and educate participants about safe practices when operating tractors and their attachments, emphasizing the risks involved in both work-related and traffic accidents. According to police statistics, 151 tractor operators were involved in traffic accidents last year, with 104 being responsible for the incidents. Most of these accidents resulted in minor injuries, though one fatality was recorded among the tractorists. The majority of those involved were male, underscoring the need for targeted safety initiatives in this demographic. Participants engaged in skill-based driving tests using a John Deere tractor equipped with front and rear attachments. These practical sessions allowed attendees to experience firsthand the challenges of maneuvering heavy agricultural equipment. Additionally, the event featured a simulator designed to demonstrate the potential hazards of tractor rollovers. This simulator, developed by the School of Horticulture and Visual Arts in Celje, tilts laterally and vertically up to 45 degrees, providing a realistic simulation of dangerous scenarios faced by future tractor operators. AMZS also presented its own rollover simulator, which rotates 180 degrees, placing individuals upside down within the cabin. Attendees were shown how to properly extract themselves in such situations, emphasizing the critical role of seat belts in preventing serious injury during a rollover. Mag. Marjan Dolenšek from KGZ Ljubljana demonstrated the dangers of an unprotected drive shaft, illustrating how a person could become entangled and lose a limb or even their life if proper precautions are not taken. The event included contributions from production and sales companies showcasing their machinery, allowing participants to interact with various tractors and attachments under the supervision of professional instructors from AMZS. Practical workshops on safe driving techniques were conducted, focusing on identifying and mitigating risks associated with tractor operations and other agricultural vehicles. Three expert lectures were held during the event. Daniel Andolšek provided insights into first aid procedures following an accident, while a representative from the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia discussed common causes of tractor-related incidents and recent technological advancements aimed at enhancing safety. A police representative outlined relevant traffic regulations concerning the use of tractors and other agricultural machinery on public roads. The well-organized event highlighted the importance of additional education for tractor operators, noting that similar training programs have already gained traction in other countries. One of the main objectives of the Vransko event was to achieve a vision of zero fatalities and severe injuries related to agricultural and forestry machinery use in both work environments and traffic. Among the notable machines showcased was the John Deere 8R 410, boasting a powerful 410 kW engine. It was paired with a 26 cubic meter waste tank, offering participants a rare opportunity to test the capabilities of such a high-performance tractor in real-world conditions.