Foot reach under guard rails on agricultural machinery

Foot and leg injuries of workers using agricultural field machines frequently occur when contact is made with rotating components. This paper presents the results of a study carried out to determine how far people can reach under barriers. The results show that even at a low barrier height of 200 mm above the ground some short people can get their lower leg well under the barrier and reach considerable distances. Guarding of machines to minimise leg and foot injuries is therefore likely to be a compromise between desirable standards and practical considerations.