14 February 2014
Farm toll on the decline
Federated Farmers is pleased to see that on farm deaths are on the decline, with both WorkSafe NZ and ACC statistics
showing a declining trend in fatalities since 2008.
“We are seeing some positive results from industry efforts with WorkSafe statistics, released to us yesterday, showing
that on farm fatalities for the Christmas New Year period have declined from four in 2010 to just one in 2014,” says
Jeanette Maxwell, Federated Farmers Health & Safety Spokesperson.
“Coinciding with that, ACC’s statistics, on annual farm fatalities, show a 17.5 percent reduction (decline of 32) in
deaths since 2008. We have also seen growth in farmers using Health and Safety plans on farm with a 48 percent increase
in purchases of our Occupational Health & Safety Policy, and a 13.5 percent increase in purchases of our Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy, since 2012.
“This is really positive news and shows that the collaboration between Federated Farmers, ACC, the Department of Labour,
WorkSafe, FarmSafe and other organisations is really starting to pay off with greater awareness of Health and Safety.
“With fatalities trending down from the use of active education, communication, and a growing awareness that mental and
physical health are also key to reduced fatalities, farmers will be in good stead when the new regulations come to fore.
“Whilst no fatality is acceptable, what we are seeing is a culture change from the hard work of the agricultural
industry and its stakeholders. Just like improving our water quality, these things take time.
“These statistics show we are well on our way to getting it right and I would like to thank everyone who has worked with
us and alongside us to improve health and safety on farm,” concluded Mrs Maxwell.
ENDS