On farm health and safety compliance improves
Attitudes to farm safety are changing and fewer farmers are being issued with enforcement notices or facing prosecution, WorkSafe New Zealand says.
Nationwide, the organisation prosecuted 10 farmers in 2014 and eight in 2015. Last year there were six agricultural prosecutions, of which four were successful. Over the same period, the number of notices, warnings and letters issued to farmers fell from 550 to 328.
During a routine assessment of the 648-hectare Ratapiko farm of Jacqueline and Robin Blackwell, WorkSafe inspector Vaughan Maaka said the pendulum had swung in recent years and most farmers were now on board with the organisation’s work. ‘‘We don’t want to stop farmers doing what they do, we want to help them do it safely and most of them understand that,’’ he said.
‘‘We’re not out to find things you’re doing wrong and fine you for it, we’re trying to build a rapport and get to a point where if you’ve got a question, you can give us a call.’’
The Blackwell’s sheep, beef and dairy support operation, Mangaotea, covers a mix of flat to rolling land, with about 10 per cent of the terrain classed as steep, Robin said.
‘‘The main risks are what you’re involved with all the time,’’ he said.
‘‘There’s a lot of time spent on quads and inattention or distractions would probably be the biggest risks.’’
To minimise the risk of a quad bike accident, the couple carried out regular vehicle checks, ensured anyone using a quad was wearing a helmet and suitable clothing and had a no passengers policy.
‘‘Obviously on a farm there are going to be times when you can’t avoid carrying a passenger but we don’t like to do it,’’ Robin said.
‘‘We’re aware of the way it changes the performance of the bike and we really try to avoid it.’’
New WorkSafe guidelines on the use of quad bikes asked farmers to look at carrying passengers as a last resort, Maaka said. ‘‘If you have to put a passenger on a quad - and we understand that there might be - it’s important to look at the conditions and be aware of how the added weight can unbalance the bike,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s about looking at the risks and how you can manage and minimise them.’’ Slippery surfaces
WEANER HEIFERS
BEEF COWS
and machinery were hazards in the winter months while livestock and fatigue had the potential to cause problems year-round.
‘‘We encourage breaks to reduce fatigue but it also gives people a chance to think about the job they’re going to be doing and mentally prepare for it. With the livestock, if we start having problems with an animal, it has to go,’’ Robin said.
The couple have one contract employee and the trio hold a weekly meeting to discuss risks and potential hazards. New hazards were likely to be identified as soon as they arose as a result of the regular meetings.