In the heart of Italy’s alpine vineyards, a silent revolution is underway, one that could reshape the way farmers operate heavy machinery and, ultimately, save lives. The National Institute for Insurance Against Accidents at Work (INAIL), based in Rome, is at the forefront of this change, spearheaded by Daniele Puri, a researcher dedicated to enhancing occupational health and safety (OHS) in agriculture.
Puri and his team are tackling a persistent problem: the high number of injuries and fatalities caused by self-propelled machinery accidents, particularly tip-overs and roll-overs. While machinery safety has seen significant improvements, the work environment—specifically, the steepness of fields—has often been overlooked. This is where Puri’s research comes in, aiming to provide farmers with precise, georeferenced slope data to inform their machinery operations.
The project, launched by the Italian Compensation Authority, integrates this slope data with the tilt angle specifications of common self-propelled machinery, following international safety standards. The initial focus is on vineyards in the Autonomous Province of Trento, where the terrain can be as challenging as it is beautiful.
To gather this crucial data, Puri’s team employed terrestrial LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. This advanced method uses laser light to measure distances and create detailed digital terrain models (DTMs). These DTMs are then analyzed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess slope steepness and identify potential hazard zones.
“By merging this environmental data with our understanding of machinery performance, we can provide farmers with practical guidelines for safer operations,” Puri explains. “This isn’t just about preventing accidents; it’s about empowering farmers to make informed decisions, especially in hilly and mountainous areas.”
The implications of this research extend beyond the vineyards of Trento. As Puri notes, “This approach can be replicated in any agricultural setting where terrain variability poses a risk.” This means that, in the future, farmers worldwide could benefit from this GIS-based approach, leading to a significant reduction in machinery-related accidents.
For the energy sector, the potential is immense. As the push for renewable energy sources intensifies, so does the need for safe and efficient operations in challenging terrains. Wind farms, solar panel installations, and bioenergy plantations often require heavy machinery to operate in hilly or mountainous areas. By adopting Puri’s approach, energy companies can enhance their safety protocols, protect their workers, and ensure the sustainability of their operations.
Moreover, this research could influence the design and manufacturing of future agricultural and energy machinery. Manufacturers could use this data to develop machines with better stability features, tailored to specific terrains. This would not only improve safety but also increase the efficiency and longevity of the machinery.
Puri’s work, published in the journal ‘Machines’ (translated from Italian), is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research. By combining geospatial technology, agricultural engineering, and occupational health and safety, he is paving the way for a safer, more informed future in agriculture and the energy sector.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that Puri’s research could shape the future of machinery operations in challenging terrains. It’s a future where data-driven decisions, advanced technology, and a deep understanding of the work environment come together to create safer, more efficient, and more sustainable practices. And it all starts with a simple yet powerful idea: knowing the terrain is half the battle.