Abstract
To investigate the real cause of tractor accidents which happen very frequently in Hokkaido, we sent out a questionaire of 23 items to tractor operators and asked them for opinions about the accidents.
More than 90% of the respondents said they had become sleepy while they were operating the tractors. So, they admitted that lack of sleep could be a main cause of accidents.
They try to take a good sleep during busy farming seasons.
Most of the farmers get sleepy around 10.00 a. m. and between 3.00 and 5.00 p. m.
Since they think that many accidents are caused by machines which are not well serviced, they care a lot about checking and fixing their machines.
They are well aware how to take precautions against the accidents, but their actions are not enough.
They don't pay much atention to the safty flame. They have no knowledge about the “day rhythm”.
80% of them have a break or take a nap between working hours.
