Apart from the pain and the suffering from the loss of loved ones or friends in fatal incidents, there are many more roll-overs resulting in serious injury that have left farming families in ruin because a member of the family has been permanently maimed.

Preventing death and serious injury from tractor roll-over can be achieved by protecting the operator. The single and most effective way is by fitting a structure around the operator called a Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS).

The state-wide ROPS Rebate Program provided $2,089,600 in rebates to fit 10,448 ROPS to tractors throughout NSW. The rebate was available from mid 2001 to mid 2004.

All tractors weighing between 560kg and 15,000kg are required by law to have a ROPS fitted.

Commencing in mid November 2004, WorkCover inspectors will be visiting farms across NSW to determine compliance with ROPS installation requirements.  If tractors are found not fitted with a ROPS, owners may be issued with an OHS Notice that prevents the operation of the tractors until they are fitted with a ROPS and, if considered appropriate, a $1000 on-the-spot fine.