The State Government is to provide a $100 subsidy to farmers to fit rollover protection structures to old tractors.
Productivity and Labour Relations Minister Yvonne Henderson said the $30,000 safety scheme was an important Government initiative aimed at lowering the number of fatalities and serious injuries associated with tractors.
"We are encouraging farmers to improve safety on an essential piece of machinery which has been involved in many accidents in Western Australia over the years," Mrs Henderson said.
"Since 1985, 13 people have lost their lives in accidents involving tractors. In eight of these cases, the death probably would not have occurred if rollover protection structures had been fitted."
Mrs Henderson said the new safety structures were compulsory on all tractors sold as new from September 1978.
The subsidy was being made available for tractors manufactured before that date, to encourage farmers to fit them, even though it was not compulsory.
"The purchase price of a rollover protection structure is around $500, and most farmers then fit it themselves," the Minister said.
"Subsidies will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so farmers should apply as soon as possible."
To be eligible, applicants must come from the rural industry, and only one subsidy will be made to each farmer.
Tractors must be in the weight range of 560-3,865 kg, and the rollover protection to be fitted must comply with the relevant Australian standard.
Further information on the subsidy can be obtained from the Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare on (09) 327 8718.
