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.
Following a sentencing for a death at a South Canterbury agribusiness, WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds.
In March 2022, Louis van Heerden was crushed to death by a hydraulic tailgate on a trailer at Turley Farms Limited near Temuka.
The 45-year-old had been standing at the back of a dark, narrow shed as a spotter while grass seed was tipped off the trailer.
WorkSafe investigators subsequently found Turley Farms had no specific plan in place for managing farm traffic indoors.
Additionally, they found workers should not have been permitted in such a restricted area.
Turley Farms was sentenced this week for its health and safety failings.
The company was fined $247,500 and ordered to pay $201,477 in reparations.
WorkSafe area investigation manager, Steve Kelly says farmers tempt fate when they only manage traffic 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,” Kelly says.
“This is a good reminder to take a critical look at how tractors and other vehicles move around inside farm buildings,” he says.
Kelly says clear separation of vehicles and pedestrians is key.
“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 and agriculture accounts for approximately 25% of serious acute harm in New Zealand despite having making up 6% of employment.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…