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ON-FARM deaths are on the decline, with both WorkSafe NZ and ACC statistics showing a declining trend in fatalities since 2008, Federated Farmers says.
"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% 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% increase in purchases of our occupational health & safety policy, and a 13.5% increase in purchases of our workplace drug and alcohol policy, since 2012.
"This is really positive news and shows 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," says Maxwell.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to highlight the most troublesome farm pests – a serious issue that needs some urgent attention from the Beehive.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Farmers are welcoming the announcement of two new bills to replace the under-fire Resource Management Act.
The Government has announced it will immediately roll over all resource consents for two years, with legislation expected to pass under urgency as early as this week.
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