Developed with input from the agriculture sector, the Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) use practical examples that reflect how farms operate day to day, including before work starts, when bringing contractors onto farm, when choosing or using farm vehicles, and when conditions change.
The Government points out that these ACOPs are not about creating new duties, they are about making existing health and safety duties clearer so businesses understand who need to do what, where responsibilities overlap, and how serious risks should be managed.
Farmers worked closely with the Minister and WorkSafe throughout the development of the ACOPs.
Federated Farmers was heavily involved in this process from the beginning to make sure farmers' experiences and concerns were reflected.
Through webinars, direct engagement and detailed feedback, farmers have had a strong voice.
This is exactly what good advocacy should look like - working with government to get better, more workable rules for farmers.
The finished ACOPs provide much-needed clarity around how health and safety responsibilities work in the fast-changing environment of a farm.
Farms are dynamic workplaces, with farmers, employees, contractors and other businesses often working together.
Having clearer guidance around who's responsible for what, and how those responsibilities overlap, will give farmers a lot more confidence.
After all, farmers need confidence that if they follow recognised guidance, they are doing what the law expects of them.
