Online tool targets woolshed injuries
The wool industry wants a new online training tool to become part of every woolshed in the country, so that injuries occurring in and around the sheds can be reduced.
Tahi Nga¯tahi was officially launched at the New Zealand Agricultural Show by shearing and farming industry leaders.
New Zealand Shearing Contractors’ Association president Mark Barrowcliffe said most wool-harvesting injuries were preventable and all have a detrimental effect on everyone working in the business.
In 2017, there were 755 workrelated injuries in wool harvesting, resulting in 9300 working days lost to the industry, based on ACC weekly compensation data. In addition, there were 4700 work-related injuries in wool growing, or farming, resulting in 35,000 days lost to the industry.
‘‘We want to reduce the injury count by sharing how they can be prevented. The way to do that is for all shearers, farmers and their staff to do this online programme. We want it to become part of every shed,’’ Barrowcliffe said.
Tahi Nga¯tahi means ‘‘one, together’’ and describes the industry-driven partnership between farmers, shearing contractors and government to develop the online tool which features videos of successful operators. Those who complete the programme are certified as being up to date with current health and safety practices.
ACC had provided $1 million of funding over three years for the programme in support of the industry taking the lead and partnering to reduce injuries. The programme was also supported by WorkSafe.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor told the launch that Tahi Nga¯tahi was an excellent collaborative initiative that not only put people’s safety first, but added value to the businesses of both farmers and shearers.
Federated Farmers’ meat and wool chairman Miles Anderson said the tool was valuable for farmers, because they can complete their woolshed Warrant of Fitness online, keep records of their certified workers and ensure their staff are trained in how to keep themselves and the animals safe in the working woolshed.