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.
Via the partnership, ACC will invest over $11 million over the next five years to support the sector in the implementation of Safer Farms’ Farm Without Harm strategy.
In 2024, ACC accepted over 17,116 new farming-related injury claims, and spent over $124 million to help people recover from farming-related injuries.
Safer Farms chair Lindy Nelson says the investment is a significant boost to the programme, which she says has resonated with farmers since its 2023 launch.
“This support from ACC means we can amplify what we have already been doing, working with farming leaders and supporting farming people to protect each other from preventable harm,” Nelson says.
She says Safer Farms will be investing additional resources into initiatives designed to change behaviours and foster a stronger safety culture on farms, enhance engagement, capability and capacity within the sector and empower sector leadership and collaboration to drive aligned and coordinated action.
“There are always going to be inherent risks in an industry that involves operating heavy machinery and handling livestock,” says Nelson.
“However, by working with farmers on how they can implement practical safety practices on their farm, we can help to mitigate those risks.”
Meanwhile, ACC deputy chief executive strategy, engagement and prevention, Andy Milne says ACC is excited to enter the partnership.
“We’re committed to driving positive and enduring change for New Zealand’s agricultural sector and we believe Safer Farms is key to supporting that commitment,” he says.
Milne says both Safer Farms and ACC are focused on supporting the agriculture sector in ways that are practical, impactful, and sustainable.
“We’re confident that the investment will translate into safer practices and reduced risks on the ground,” he says.
“Safer Farms has already achieved a significant progress in strengthening their leadership across the sector, built strong relationships, and focused on a ‘by farmers, for farmers’ approach to drive sustained change.”
