Govt to rethink farm health and safety rules with practical reforms

The Government last week announced targeted consultation with farmers and the wider agriculture sector on health and safety rule changes.

Many of the proposed changes reflect what Federated Farmers and its members have been calling for, health and safety spokesperson David Birkett says.

“We’re really pleased the Minister has announced a raft of changes, and that she’ll be consulting directly with our sector to make sure any new rules are fit for the realities of farm life.

“This commitment to targeted consultation is a good sign farmers will be properly heard.”

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says she’s consulting with rural Kiwis in the agriculture sector on changes that will ensure health and safety requirements are workable and practical.

“Farmers know their farms and the risks that come with farming life better than anyone. They’ve told me the law needs to recognise that the farm is often both their workplace and their home. That includes making space for children to safely learn and contribute to farm life in ways that are safe and age-appropriate,” says van Velden.

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Rural Women NZ says the consultation recognises what rural families have been saying for years – farms are not just workplaces, they are homes and family businesses too.

“The Government’s review reflects the real lives of many rural families and the fact the farm is a home where children grow up immersed in the rhythms and responsibilities of farming life,” says Rural Women New Zealand national president Sandra Matthews.

One proposed change is to amend the General Risk Regulations to make it clear that young people can safely take part in light chores on family farms.

“We’ll be consulting with farmers and the agriculture sector on the thresholds for light chores children can do on farms, like collecting eggs, feeding small animals and watering plants, while ensuring safety is not compromised,” she says.

“I expect higher-risk activities such as being near heavy machinery like a hay baler will remain off-limits. As children grow older, they’ll be able to undertake more complex tasks with supervision and training, such as driving a tractor.”

WorkSafe will be developing an ACOP on roles and responsibilities in agriculture to help farmers navigate work activities. In particular, it will provide clearer guidance on overlapping duties and PCBU responsibilities in agriculture.

“Farmers and other businesses coming on to the farm need to know what health and safety duties they are each responsible for and how they can best work together to manage the risks. For example, if a fencing contractor is working on a farm, both the contractor and the farmer will need to manage risks relating to their work, like moving vehicles or the use of agricultural sprays,” says van Velden.