Kansas Agriculture Safety and Health

ROPS

Click here to join the ROPS Rebate Program waitlist

 

What is ROPS?

A ROPS (rollover protective structure) attaches to a tractor and, with the use of a seatbelt, provides a safety-zone for the operator. In the event of an overturn or rollover, ROPS help prevent the tractor operator from being crushed under the tractor. Commonly ROPS are referred to as "rollbars," which are just one type of ROPS; ROPS can also come in the form of a cab.

ROPS facts.

 

What if all of this could be prevented?

K-State Research and Extension through the Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department at Kansas State University has been collaborating with the National ROPS Rebate Program (NRRP) to research and gain support through public and private funding and partnerships to provide Kansas farmers with a rebate program that can assist with the cost of retrofitting a tractor on their farm.

The NRRP along with other states have a proven track record of working with producers and industry to provide resources to select the proper ROPS kits and specifications.

 

ROPS are 99% effective in preventing injury or death in the event of an overturn when used with a seatbelt.
Kansas farm families work hard to bring food to our tables, steward our land, and be good neighbors. They make our community strong. Our state can provide education and financial support to keep their equipment safe. ROPS retrofits are simple but important devices that can prevent fatalities in rollovers. A ROPS Rebate Program in Kansas can assist in funding ROPS retrofit kits for farmers to keep them safe and protect their legacy.

 

How the National ROPS Rebate Program Works

The National ROPS Rebate Program (NRRP) is a voluntary program that provides rebates for approximately 70%* of the cost of purchasing and installing a ROPS (Rollover Protective Structure; rollbar) kit. This rebate covers the ROPS kit (rollbar and seatbelt), shipping, and professional installation, if desired. Note: professional installation is required in Wisconsin; it is highly recommended for all others.

Kansas is working closely with the NRRP to make rebates available for Kansans. If you are interested in applying for the rebate program when available in Kansas, click here and a team member will get back to you about the status of funding. You will automatically be added to our waitlist, if needed.

*The exact rebate varies slightly from state to state. Kansas has not determined the rebate amount.

Approximately 30,000 farms in Kansas are operating without a ROPS on at least one tractor
$775,353 Farm and family cost resulting from a fatality overturn. $1,200 Average cost of ROPS. $391 Average out of pocket cost for a program participant.
We've lost 10 Kansas farmers due to tractor overturns and 6 farmers have incurred serious injury due to rollovers in the last 8 years.*
ROPS were not required before 1975, so many tractors in use today have no protection. That can be changed and our farmers can be protected by cost-sharing the onetime ROPS expense.

*There is not a central reporting agency, data does not include unreported accidents information is based on public US news articles from Ag Injury News, National Farm Medicine Center, the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute.

Why?

 

For additional information, contact:

Tawnie Larson, Project Consultant at tawnie@ksu.edu, 785-532-2976; or Ed Brokesh, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at ebrokesh@ksu.edu, 785-532-2907. Kansas State University, Carl and Melinda Helwig Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

rops logo

 

Funding for research from the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture, The Center is funded through NIOSH/CDC. The National ROPS Rebate Program is an effort supported and guided by members of the National Tractor Safety Coalition, an organization with representation from nearly 60 multi-sector industry and advocacy groups. National ROPS Rebate Program Website.