Farm Safety Improves Through 'Incremental Gain', Says Birkett
Improving health and safety is about incremental gain rather than a sudden decision, says Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers health and safety spokesman David Birkett.
Dairy Women's Network is seeking to shift members’ ‘can do’ attitude to one of ‘can do safely’, by means of free workshops called ‘Step up to Safety’, from late October.
These will be run by DWN members experienced in health and safety and supported by Worksafe NZ and Hazardco. “Participants will take away a 90-day health and safety action plan or actions identified to progress to next steps,” said project manager and farmer wellness specialist Lynda Clark.
Some farmers may have got complacent about safety, thinking they are off the hook following the Government’s recent health and safety legislation announcements, Clark says. But it’s not so.
“While sheep, beef, dairy and deer farming are deemed ‘low-risk’ industries, every industry’s workforce should go home safe at the end of each working day.
“These workshops will take health and safety out of the office and onto the farm and discuss what effective health and safety onfarm looks like.”
Attendees will gain better understanding of the current health and safety legislation and how it affects them, and will understand where their businesses are compliant and where they need more action.
Now in its fourth year, the 2026 Fencing Industry Awards, formed part of the proceedings of the FCANZ Conference, held in Nelson during August.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
OPINION: The stats speak for themselves.
Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Election years are always a concerning time for farmers, according to DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown.
The Ballance Farm Environment Awards are coming to the West Coast of the South Island.
OPINION: It seems Canterbury processor Synlait is still in the doldrums.
OPINION: Get offside with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters at your own peril.