Drug survey
OPINION: New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), a leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) use is growing and making up a disproportionate share of nonnegative workplace drug test results.
Quad safety is back in the news in Australia, where the Government has ruled that rollover protection will be mandatory within 24 months.
So it’s timely to revisit the subject here and, notably, mention a good safety helmet your reporter is pleased to have worn during machine test outings.
WorkSafe’s website shows a downwards trend in fatalities and serious injuries, no doubt because of greater awareness and increasing use of safety helmets.
Australia’s coroners have looked at several fatalities and have not recommended the use of crush protection devices. They urge more factual evidence of their efficacy. Importantly they say that had riders been wearing an approved safety helmet the fatalities investigated would have been 42% fewer.
Riders are known to oppose wearing helmets because they are hot, heavy, difficult to buckle with gloved hands and impede hearing livestock or colleagues when herding.
The Shark ATV ROV helmet, released in 2017, appears to have addressed these issues, as it was designed for agricultural use. The lightweight composite shell meets all ECE 22-05 and DOT certifications for off- and on-road use and it weighs only 1200g.
The construction comprises four foam densities for maximum shock absorption, and it has two large, adjustable vents in the upper surface for cooling. On the sides are hearing pods with apertures allowing the wearer to hear ambient noise, and a recess at the rear allows the fitment of digital communications gear.
A quick release sliding buckle set-up does away with the older double D ring design, and a removeable lining allows easy cleaning. There are kits for dust, insect and noise control.
This reporter has worn a Shark during tests of two wheelers, quads and side by sides, and confirms that the helmet lives up to the maker’s claims.
In a wide range of weather conditions and temperatures it was cool and comfortable, and its lightness prevented neck pain even during long sessions. The quick release buckle is a big plus point.
Farmers appear to be backing the Government's recent Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms announcement.
For the first time, all the big names in agricultural drone technology are being brought together under one marquee at the National Fieldays.
Fonterra has announced an improved third quarter performance – with a profit after tax of $1.15 billion, up $119 million on the same period last year.
The Fieldays Innovation Awards competition has attracted a diverse and impressive array of innovations from across the primary industries, highlighting the growing importance of technology shaping the future of farming.
Coming to the fore following the carnage of Cyclone Gabrielle, Starlink became well known for providing internet access even in NZ's most inaccessible places.
From this winter farmers will have a greater choice of feed types and blend options than ever before, thanks to Farmlands' purchase of animal nutrition company SealesWinslow.
OPINION: The Free Speech Union is taking this one too far.
OPINION: New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), a leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) use is…