A user-centred approach to Foldable ROPS redesign to encourage the correct handling behaviour in agricultural operators

The study referred to the principles of the nudge theory to push farmworkers toward the proper use of Foldable Rollover Protective-Structure (FROPS). The issue is relevant considering the number of deaths that occur during tractor rollovers when the FROPS is either removed or not in the upright position. Participants with different stature were asked to raise two FROPS: a traditional one and a second one modified with a supporting device. An ad-hoc questionnaire was used to test the usability of both FROPS (effort, feelings of discomfort and temporal demand) and the perceived usefulness and intention to adopt the developed devices if marketed. For both the raising and lowering operations with the enhanced FROPS, participants reported positive results for each item investigated, and they declared to be willing to adopt the supporting devices in the future on their tractors. This was especially true for participants with shorter stature.