Abstract: Employee #1 was operating a 1971 John Deere tractor, model 3040, that was equipped with a front end loader. He was compacting and leveling silage in a full 40 ft by 150 ft trench. After backing up the entire length of the trench, Employee #1 backed over the end, which was 10 ft high and had a grade of 45 degrees. The draw bar dug into the ground, causing the tractor to flip over on top of Employee #1 and crush him to death. The tractor was not equipped with ROPS because it predated the October 25, 1976, requirement for such a system. Employee #1 had performed the same task for the past five years and was familiar with the equipment and its operation. He was a family member working on a farm, and the employer provided only informal safety instruction.