Govt to rethink farm health and safety rules with practical reforms
Farmers are welcoming new Government proposals to make farm health and safety rules more practical and grounded in real-world farming.
Health and safety reforms on farm are coming, according to consultants OnFarmSafety New Zealand.
The company says from talking to farmers in recent months, it seems many remain confused.
“The problem is it all seems too hard and the general perception is that most don’t know where to start; it will involve a lot of paperwork and be very time-taxing,” it claims.
“You will have to set up some good sound health and safety systems, but it doesn’t need to feel like you’re planning the next Mount Everest expedition.
“Your health and safety system needs to work for you, your style of doing business and in a way that gives you peace of mind that you have taken ‘all practicable steps’ to ensure the safety of anyone on your property, including staff, contractors and visitors.”
OnFarmSafety systems and processes are designed to make sure farmers are able to gain good working knowledge on the subject of health and safety, while still having the time to run their business.
It starts the process with a full assessment audit of how you currently operate and what you do either informally or in writing. This enables the company to tailor a system specifically for each client to give them the confidence that if there is a serious situation they have taken all the necessary measures required.
Every workplace needs a health and safety plan. “If you are a one-man-band, you need to take all necessary precautions to ensure those coming onto your farm are safe and are fully aware of all the relevant hazards they could encounter.”
Tel 0508 ONFARM
The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has removed 33,418 wild goats over the past three years.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.