Tractor Mower Operator Safety Training Program (TMOST)

A dynamic new cutting edge equipment operator safety training program called TMOST is being taught across the USA and in Canada. Conducting this popular safety program is Alamo Group, with corporate headquarters located in Seguin, Texas. Alamo Group is a world leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and service of high quality equipment for right-of-way maintenance and agriculture with facilities in the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe.

Jim Green, the Alamo Group Corporate safety training manager, conducts this training in a format that engages as well as entertains the students during the program. With board breaking karate demonstrations, classroom practical exercises and students joining in safety singing…. students expecting the typically boring safety message are energized—and the learning magic happens. The students love it! The intent of the program is to increase the safety awareness of tractor/mower equipment operators.

Over 12,000 tractor/mower operators have successfully completed the TMOST Program since 2007.TMOST customers continue to have their equipment operators attend the program each year as a refresher and reinforcement of the safety requirements for operating tractors and mowers.

.

Jim Green, Alamo Group safety training manager, leads Personal Protection Equipment exercise.

Student drives one of the TMOST driver training courses.

TMOST is a “best practices” safety training program as we have examined the industry standards for safety and incorporated them into the TMOST curriculum. It is modeled on the learning process of Tell, Show, Do and Review . First explain and then discuss the safety message (TELL) you want the students to learn. Then during the hands on portion which includes having the students conduct a pre-operation equipment inspection on both the tractor/mower then complete a driving test on a course set up by the training facilitator (SHOW / DO). After that review with students what they have learned.

Students complete driver course using Flail mower (Florida)

Completing a training workbook exercise during TMOST

The TMOST Program is being used in 36 States, as it is brought to the users location and user their equipment. Therefore, there is a “reality training” approach during the hands-on portion of the training. The classroom part is a facilitated session, where the students are shown TMOST DVDs, compete a student workbook and participate in classroom practical exercises and discussions. The classroom tone sets the atmosphere that encourages student participation and knowledge sharing.

The students learn by doing ( hands on) how to perform a preoperational safety inspection on their tractor and mower, and how these checks can help prevent mechanical failures and operator injuries.

Pre-operation discussion before students conduct equipment inspection

TMOST safety sing a long-using different techniques to share the safety message

Self Assessment Pre-operation inspection by students

Operations & Driver testing Safety Practices During maintenance

We believe everyone that operates equipment should know the potential hazards associated with the job .It doesn’t matter if it’s the equipment operators, their supervisor or the technicians and maintenance team-its important all involved in the operation and maintaining of the machine are kept up to date and safe.

To ensure transfer of safety knowledge, TMOST includes a pre training test, a post training test, as well as a final written examination. Using these measuring tools, the comparing of the pre and post testing have shown an immediate increase in the safety awareness knowledge of the students. Then the student equipment inspection evaluation and their hands on driving lets the student demonstrate their operator skills.

During the seven hour training day the students spend sometime in a classroom setting participating in a safety awareness self-assessment exercise, safety discussions, and practical exercises. The hands-on training begins with the students shown how to conduct a pre operation inspection of their equipment. then they conduct inspection of their equipment. Upon completion of equipment inspect each student completes a driving test

Safety awareness is one of the keys to keeping your equipment operators safe each and everyday. While there are plenty of safety classes and training sessions conducted in companies and organizations …how much of the information is retained by the student (equipment operator) that they can recall and use on the job? By offering safety training in an informative and entertaining manner the students probably will remember what there heard, saw and most importantly did during hands-on operational training portion long after the training is completed

Karate “safety break through” training exercise conducted during TMOST Program

Often new equipment operators are shown how to use their tractors and mowers by fellow operators. That’s fine, as along as the person showing how to safely and effectively use the equipment has the knowledge and the ability to train others. Effective operator and safety training using original equipment manufactures (OEM) manuals is an essential part of the learning program.

The success of this training method is evidence that safety awareness information sharing coupled with hands-on training in a professional, high energy, learning atmosphere helps the equipment operators become safer, keep their equipment well maintained; and, can positively impact the bottom line.

Student practice using the skills learned during TMOST using their equipment, on their roadsides.

For more information about the TMOST Program contact Jim Green at jwgreen@alamo-group.com or 830-305-4294