Learnings from tractor incident
A near miss experienced by a North Island farmer worker when their tractor ‘park’ gear failed, has been shared as the latest Safety Alert from Safer Farms.
WorkSafe is reminding people that if a vehicle’s safety features are compromised, no one should drive it.
The reminder follows the death of a woman who was ejected from a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV). The UTV’s seatbelt didn’t work and the driver’s door had been removed.
Owners of a beef, sheep and deer farm, N.E. Parkes & Sons Limited, appeared in Nelson District Court on Monday and were fined $275,000 for failing to ensure the farm vehicle was safe for use at the time of the incident was safe for use.
The woman was working as a WOOFer (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) at the time of the incident in exchange for food and accommodation.
In June 2018, she was travelling as a passenger on the UTV when the driver lost control and the vehicle fell 13 metres down a hillside.
The woman was ejected from her seat, and the vehicle eventually came to rest on top of her and she died from crushing injuries.
The woman driving was also thrown from the vehicle and suffered minor injuries.
The driver pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving causing death and was discharged without conviction in August 2018.
A WorkSafe investigation found that one door of the UTV had been removed and both seatbelts and helmets were not being used, contrary to manufacturer and WorkSafe advice.
The investigation also found that one seatbelt was not working, and the driver’s seatbelt warning system was not working.
“The safety of the vehicle had been compromised,” said Danielle Henry, WorkSafe’s area manager.
Henry said that the vehicle’s safety features had not been maintained, yet the business still allowed workers and visitors to use it at the time of the incident.
“These vehicles are used every day on farms right across the country. They have safety features for a reason and maintenance of these is imperative.
“If those features aren’t working as they should and you can’t supply appropriate personal protective equipment, then no one should be driving it.”
The red meat sector is welcoming the start of trade negotiations between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Meat processor Alliance Group's cash-strapped farmer shareholders face a dilemma - either pour more money into the co-operative or risk losing 100% ownership and control.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.