ROPS Field Performance — A Status Report

The question, “Are ROPS providing adequate operator protection?” is addressed by conducting analyses of rollover accidents and reviewing ROPS certification test data. It was found that ROPS generally exceed structural performance requirements and do reduce the number of injuries and deaths due to rollovers on mining and construction machines. It was also determined that the severity of rollovers vary widely between different types of machines, that quality control during ROPS fabrication is very important, and the chances of surviving a rollover are enhanced substantially by wearing a seat belt.