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.
Louis van Heerden was crushed to death by a hydraulic tailgate on a trailer at Turley Farms Limited near Temuka in March 2022. The 45-yearold had been standing at the back of a dark, narrow shed as a spotter while grass seed was being tipped off the trailer.
WorkSafe investigators found Turley Farms had no specific plan in place for managing farm traffic indoors and that workers should not have been permitted in such a restricted space.
Turley Farms was sentenced at Timaru District Court last month, fined $247,500 and ordered to pay reparations of $201,477.
“Farmers are tempting fate if they think traffic only needs to be managed outdoors. Without a clear plan for how vehicles and people move around indoor barns and sheds, it’s only a matter of time before something goes terribly wrong,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Steve Kelly.
“This is a good reminder to take a critical look at how tractors and other vehicles move around inside farm buildings. Clear separation of vehicles and pedestrians is the key component. Signage and designated safe areas are also simple and inexpensive ways to boost safety – especially when compared to a conviction and a fine.”
Following the fatality, Turley Farms has introduced reversing cameras, closing alarms, and isolation valves to the back of its trailers.
Vehicles are a leading cause of death and injury on New Zealand farms, which is why agriculture is a priority sector under WorkSafe’s new strategy. Agriculture accounts for around 25% of serious acute harm while having only 6% of employment.
WorkSafe warns that businesses must manage their risks, and Work- Safe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe.
“When they do not, we will take action.”
