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.
Slips, trips and falls are among the leading causes of injury on New Zealand farms, with unsuitable or worn-out footwear a major contributing factor.
The #BootsOfShame Competition
To get farmers thinking about the state of their boots, Safer Farms is offering the chance to win a pair of boots worth $729.
Safer Farms Ambassador Lindy Nelson says farmers with old boots sagging around the ankles, or gumboots running low on tread, are encouraged to send in a photo.
“The right footwear is a simple but important line of defence,” she says. “We cannot prevent every injury, but we can make sure our footwear is up to the job.”
How to enter: photograph your battered boots and either share the photo on social media with #BootsofShame or upload it through the online entry form at saferfarms.org.nz.
Prizes: each week, entrants go into a draw for one of four $200 Prezzy Cards. All entries are in the running for a pair of Gronell Everest Tibet boots worth $729. The competition runs for five weeks from 12 October.
$50 Off Boots at PGG Wrightson
Safer Farms has partnered with PGG Wrightson to offer $50 off eligible boots or gumboots priced at $149 or more.
The offer is available in store and online until 31 October.
To get a discount code, head to saferfarms.org.nz/slips-trips.
One Farmer's Story
Canterbury arable farmer David Birkett was preparing to move irrigation equipment and wore standard gumboots because he was working with water. In a hurry, he stepped onto the tractor’s front wheel instead of using the steps, then jumped from the cab. He landed on uneven ground, rolled his ankle and chipped a bone.
The gumboots suited the irrigation work but did not give the ankle support needed on rough ground. He was off work for three weeks, followed by three weeks of rehabilitation with limited tasks. Finding someone with the right skills to cover his work was extremely difficult.
What the Numbers Show
- More than half of farm slip and trip incidents happen while people are interacting with livestock, most often in paddocks, sheds and yards.
- Running, rushing or taking shortcuts, time pressure, and poor plant or equipment design each feature in 60% of incidents.
- Surface contamination and inappropriate or worn footwear each contribute to 50%.
- Nearly half involve workers juggling another visual task, such as watching stock while moving, and 48% involve poor hazard assessment.
- Almost half of injured workers keep working, risking a slower recovery while pain and fatigue reduce agility and decision-making
Hazards can be hard to spot or easy to underestimate, from manure on shed floors and divots in paddocks to familiar steps and vehicle access points.
Choosing the Right Farm Footwear
Not all farm footwear is equal. The right pair depends on the task, terrain and weather. Check:
- Grip and tread: look for channels running in different directions, not just straight lines. Clean out mud regularly, as clogged tread reduces grip.
- Ankle support: essential on hill country, uneven paddocks and races.
- Toe protection: important wherever livestock or machinery could knock, stand on or crush a foot.
- Fit and comfort: well-fitting, supportive footwear can reduce fatigue on long days.
- Weather: cold can harden soles and reduce grip, and wet or smooth surfaces may be more slippery than they appear.
For a task-by-task guide, visit saferfarms.org.nz
