Preventing ride-on lawn mower rollover

Risks

Ride-on lawn mowers can cause serious injuries or death when users lose control and roll over.

There is a high risk of rollover when a ride-on mower is operated:

• on steep slopes
• on uneven ground such as embankments
• in long grass that can hide obstacles
• in wet grass

Serious or fatal injuries can happen if someone:

• loses control of the mower
• is thrown from the mower
• is crushed between the overturned mower and the ground

Identifying hazards

The first step to control the risks is to identify the hazards of using a ride-on mower:

• on steep slopes and uneven ground
• in wet or long grass
• in any other unsafe conditions

Hazards are typically associated with:

• the environment
• plant selection and stability

Environmental hazards

The environment presents many hazards to the operator of a ride-on mower. These include:

Plant selection and stability

There are many styles of ride-on mowers including:

It's important to understand the capability and stability profile of ride-on mowers. This will help you make an informed decision about buying or using the most suitable equipment for the environment and conditions.

The stability of a ride-on mower is affected by:

1. Track width (distance from left wheel to right wheel).
2. Wheel base (distance from front wheels to rear wheels).
3. Position of operator.
4. Accessories fitted (grass-catcher, sun canopy, tool holders with tools (brush cutters/blowers).

The overturning risk for each type of ride-on mower when operating on a steep slope is listed below.

Controlling risks

Eliminate or reduce the risk of injury or death by following the hierarchy of control.

Elimination: avoid using a ride-on mower

The highest level of control is to not use a ride-on mower:

• on steep slopes or uneven ground, such as an embankment or steps
• in long or wet grass

Elimination could include:

• Converting uneven ground and steep slopes from grass to other types of vegetation that does not need mowing.
• Using livestock or other animals such as goats to eat down grass in areas with steep slopes and uneven ground.

Engineering controls: prevent access and provide a safe zone for operators

Engineering controls can include the following.

Roll-over protective structures

If you decide to use a ride-on mower, ensure that it is fitted with a:

• ROPS that is secured in the 'up' position
• seat belt that you always wear

Isolation controls: barriers that prevent ride-on mowers accessing steep slopes and uneven ground

Consider installing fencing along the edge of an embankment so that ride-on mowers can't access the uneven ground or steep slopes.

Substitution controls: choose other plant to mow

Consider using other ways to mow. The following options may be appropriate, depending on the ground conditions:

• brush cutter
• push mower
• self-propelled walk-behind mower
• remote-controlled or autonomous robotic mower
• tractor-mounted boom-type mower so the tractor remains on flat areas

Administration controls

You should only use administration controls where higher order controls are not reasonably practicable. Administration controls can also support higher order controls. They can include:

• Operational procedures or processes that reduce the likelihood of rollover.
• Doing regular inspections to ensure the ride-on mower is in good working condition. This includes maintaining brakes, steering, tyres (including pressure and tread) in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Inspecting the ground conditions to identify any hazards and mark any no-go zones. Once identified, cut them out with a brush cutter or mark with cones or safety tape. No-go zones can include:
  • embankments
  • retaining walls
  • steps
  • sinkholes
  • rabbit and fox warrens
  • other uneven ground that may be hidden by long grass
• Planning your mowing to avoid turning or reversing near uneven ground such as embankments.
• Considering where the cut grass will be discharged as this can reduce the mower's traction and stability on steep slopes. Plan your mowing to limit driving over the cut grass.
• Reviewing the environmental conditions. Look for:
  • slopes
  • wet grass
  • discharged cut grass
  • hidden obstacles such as under long grass
• Driving at a safe speed.
• Not exceeding the following slopes:
  • 5° when mowing sideways
  • 10° when mowing uphill
  • 15° when mowing downhill
• Ensuring clear communication with other people working in the area.

Testing the mower's capabilities

After you've chosen the appropriate ride-on mower for the task, test it before you start and identify any hazards. Follow any manufacturer instructions to test stability and traction capabilities.

If the manufacturer does not provide these instructions, you should:

• Ensure the ROPS is secured in the up position and the seatbelt is correctly worn.
• Always keep your feet on the operator platform.
• Before operating on steep slopes, test your brakes and ensure they are working correctly.
• Ensure the transmission is always engaged. Never let the ride-on mower coast downhill in neutral.
• Avoid stopping and starting on a steep slope.
• Reverse the ride-on mower a short way up the steep slope from the base to confirm traction and stability.
• If the mower can only access a steep slope from the top, consider how you will recover it if it can't climb back up the slope. For example, a yard that is surrounded by fences at the bottom and sides.
• Ensure there is a clear path straight down the steep slope. Make sure there are no obstacles in the way (such as trees, water hazards, buildings and fences) in case the brakes fail.
• Only then go down the steep slope driving forward if it is safe to do so.

Legal duties

Employers and self-employed persons have duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. You must:

• Provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to the health of employees and independent contractors. This also includes the employees of independent contractors.
• Provide or maintain plant or systems of work that are safe and without risks to health.
• Provide the necessary information, instruction, training or supervision so employees can do their work in a way that is safe and without risks to health.
• Ensure that people other than employees are not exposed to risks to their health or safety arising from your conduct.

You must do this so far as is reasonably practicable.

Employers must also consult with employees and independent contractors who are, or are likely to be, affected by occupational health and safety matters. You must do this so far as reasonably practicable. This includes when:

• identifying hazards and risks
• making decisions about the controls to address those risks

Consultation must include any health and safety representatives, where applicable.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, you must:

• Identify all hazards associated with the use of plant at the workplace.
• Eliminate or reduce risks associated with plant in accordance with the plant hierarchy of control.
• Ensure the plant is inspected to the extent necessary to ensure that risks associated with its use are monitored.
• Ensure that no other person, other than the operator, rides on powered mobile plant unless the person is afforded a level of protection from exposure to any risk that is equivalent to that provided to the operator.

You must do this so far as reasonably practicable.