Agriculture sector asked for input on health and safety

Media Release
7 March 2014
Agriculture sector asked for input on health and safety

WorkSafe New Zealand has released a suite of draft health and safety guidelines for those working in the agriculture industry for public consultation.

WorkSafe NZ’s National Programmes Manager, Francois Barton said that the draft guidelines are based on accepted best practice and have been developed in partnership with industry bodies and subject experts to ensure they meet the needs of New Zealand farmers.

“Good guidance is critical for farmers to know what safe work looks like, and these guidelines will play an important role in helping farm owners and managers understand and comply with their obligations and duties,” Mr Barton said.

“This is a really important opportunity for those most affected to have their say about agricultural health and safety. These are the people closest to the dangers and their views are very important.

“The level of serious workplace injuries and fatalities on New Zealand farms is unacceptable and improving the health and safety behaviour in the sector is a top priority for WorkSafe NZ,” Mr Barton said.

Mr Barton encouraged those with an interest in agriculture, most importantly those living and working on farms, to consider the draft Guidelines and provide their views and feedback which will help make the Guidelines as useable as possible.

The deadline for submissions is 5pm on 28 March 2014. For more information and to provide feedback visit www.worksafe.govt.nz. Finalised Guidelines will be published in June 2014.

Guidance materials for consultation:
• How to meet your obligations under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992: a guide for farmers
• Safe use of tractors on farms
• Safe use of two wheeled motorbikes on farms
• Handling sheep safely
• Handling cattle safely
• Handling horses safely on farms
• Staying safe in and around milking sheds
• Preventing noise induced hearing loss on farms
• Preventing manual handling injuries on farms
• Preventing slips, trips, and falls on farms

ENDS

© Scoop Media