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.
Lindy Nelson, chair of Safer Farms, says Barnham brings a combination of personal experience, professional expertise, and passion for making a difference in the farming community.
“His leadership in high-risk environments, coupled with his deep understanding of the challenges farmers face, makes him the ideal person to lead Safer Farms into its next chapter. We look forward to the positive impact he will make alongside our team, farmers, and industry partners.”
Having grown up on New Zealand farms, Barnham says he is excited about joining Safer Farms.
“I have seen firsthand the impact of poor health, safety, and wellbeing practices, along with the toll of the ‘she’ll be right’ attitude.
“I’ve led teams and organisations in high-risk sectors, including defence and adventure training. Too many farmers are still getting hurt, and this ripples through families and rural communities.
“I want to acknowledge the commitment many farmers have already shown in making changes so they can farm safely and the hard work and dedication from the Safer Farms team.
“I am looking forward to working closely with farmers and the industry, so we can drive meaningful change for safer farming in New Zealand.”
Barnham was formerly the manager of site operations at ACC. His diverse career includes roles as area manager at AsureQuality, senior team leader at Hamilton City Council, partnership ranger at the Department of Conservation, and general manager at The Blue Mountain Adventure Centre. He also served as a non-commissioned officer in the Australian Defence Force.
In taking up the fulltime role at Safer Farms, Barnham succeeds Stephen Esposito.
Nelson acknowledged Esposito’s contribution to Safer Farms and the rural sector.
“The Safer Farms chief executive role is transitioning from a part-time position to full-time. Stephen’s leadership has been instrumental in building a strong foundation for Safer Farms. He played a key role in the launch of the Farm Without Harm strategy and developing our partnership with ACC.”
Earlier this month, ACC and Safer Farms announced a new partnership to reduce harm, injuries, and fatalities in the agricultural sector.
The partnership will see over $11 million invested by ACC over the next five years, supporting the agriculture sector in the implementation of Safer Farms’ innovative grass-roots Farm Without Harm strategy.
Safer Farms’ Farm Without Harm strategy is a sector-wide commitment to drive practical changes that prevent physical and mental harm. The key focus areas in the action plan are:
- psychosocial risks resulting in diminished wellbeing
- harm experienced while working in and around vehicles and mobile plant
- muscular stress and injury caused by livestock handling
- harm caused by exposure to agricultural chemicals and airborne risks.
