{"id":3169,"date":"2025-01-27T00:51:27","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T00:51:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/nz\/?p=3169"},"modified":"2025-02-27T00:55:11","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T00:55:11","slug":"prioritising-health-and-safety-on-new-zealand-farms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/nz\/blog\/prioritising-health-and-safety-on-new-zealand-farms\/","title":{"rendered":"Prioritising Health and Safety on New Zealand Farms"},"content":{"rendered":"

Farming is the backbone of New Zealand, providing food, jobs, and a connection to our land. However, it’s also one of the most hazardous industries in the country. In 2023, over 18,400 farming-related injury claims were accepted by ACC, costing more than $107 million in recovery efforts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Recent initiatives to enhance farm safety<\/b><\/h3>\n

Recognising the pressing need to improve safety, ACC has partnered with Safer Farms, investing over $11 million in the “Farm Without Harm” strategy. This five-year plan aims to reduce injuries and fatalities by implementing practical safety measures directly on farms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Key areas of focus for farm safety<\/b><\/h3>\n
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  1. Vehicle and machinery safety<\/b>
    \n<\/b>A significant number of farm-related deaths involve vehicles and heavy machinery and too many farmers are lost to vehicle accidents each year. In a recent case investigated by WorkSafe NZ, a farm worker was tragically crushed when their vehicle rolled. Take a moment today to check your traffic management plans. Are your vehicles right for the job? Does everyone know how to use them safely? Follow manufacturer instructions, ensure vehicles are fit for purpose, complete prestarts, and emphasize safe operating procedures.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Animal handling<\/b>
    \n<\/b>Animals can be unpredictable. Know their behavior, use safe handling techniques, and maintain good yard designs to prevent injuries. Reduce leptospirosis risk by wearing protective gear, covering cuts, washing hands after animal contact, and keeping livestock vaccinations current.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Mental well-being<\/b>
    \n<\/b>Farming isn’t just physically tough \u2013 it takes a mental toll too. Weather worries, financial pressure, long hours… it all adds up. Watch for signs of stress in yourself and your team. Organizations like Rural Support Trust are just a phone call away. And check out Farmstrong \u2013 they offer practical tools specifically designed for farmers to build resilience and manage stress.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Traffic management and site safety<\/b>
    \n<\/b>Farms often have multiple types of vehicles and machinery moving around at any given time, with tractors, utes, quad bikes, and machinery, your farm is like a busy road network. Create clear vehicle paths, mark out safe walking areas, and make sure everyone knows the rules. A quick tailgate meeting before you start work can prevent serious accidents later.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Practical steps for farmers<\/b><\/h3>\n