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.
On average, the insurer receives one claim for a quad bike roll over for every day of the year, and it says these claims tend to increase in the lead up to Christmas as people work longer hours and attempt to navigate the pressure of the summer season.
FMG client advice manager Abby France says the big driver behind the Under Pressure campaign is ensuring more people are around the dining table or barbecue this Christmas.
“We know that the longer hours of the summer months lead to a rise in things going wrong on farm, to often with fatal consequences,” France says. “This campaign is about having good conversations with clients and colleagues both on and off farm about the inherent risks associated with farm vehicles, especially quad bikes.
She says the pressure on people to get things done at this time of year is “immense”.
“Whether it’s mowing and baling paddocks before the weather turns, rushing to get out the door for some time off farm or working fatigued to make the most of longer days, no bit of work is worth you not making it home at night”.
According to data from ACC, the average number of days off work for a quad bike accident is three months.
“When accidents happen the impact goes far beyond paying a claim or time off work,” France says.
“So, while quad bikes are a great tool for getting the job done, we need to be asking our farmers and growers to make sure their safety remains paramount,” she adds.
FMG rural managers across the insurer’s 32 offices have been supplied with tyre pressure gauge packs to help clients and other quad bike users test their own tyre pressure.
“It’s simple—proper tyre pressure is essential for maintaining control and stability while riding. Over-inflated tyres can result in a bumpy ride and increase the risk of blowouts, while under-inflated tyres can compromise traction and handling,” France says.
“By using a tyre pressure gauge, we aim to convey critical insights about the claims our clients have faced and provide loss prevention advice while enhancing quad safety,” she concludes.
FMG is also running a quad bike crush protection giveaway.
The competition can be entered at https://www.fmg.co.nz/tees-and-cees/roll-over-protection-device-competition.
