No more field days?

BLNZ chairman James Parsons says he’s continually fielding calls from farmers who are fearful, confused and even angry at WorkSafe’s approach to the issue.

Last week, quad safety was on the agenda at the BLNZ board meeting in Wellington. Parsons told Rural News all its field days are now under threat because of WorkSafe’s approach.

“I can’t put my hand on heart and say that adopting the measures proposed for quad use will make farms safer. Is it right to embrace blanket bans that make farms less safe?  

“Farms are not just places of work; they are homes. Is confining children, bank managers, vets and visitors to the farmhouse sensible when quads on hill country are the only practical mode of transport? Despite having a good safety record many of our BLNZ hill country field days are now under threat.” 

Parsons believes the way to improve safety on farms is via a safety culture and a common sense farm code of practice devised by farmers for farmers.

“We are absolutely supportive of farmer safety and spend a lot of time at field days promoting safe farming environments. The aspirations of WorkSafe to improve the safety record on farms is positive and we have engaged constructively with them on multiple occasions,” he adds.

The controversy has arisen again partly because WorkSafe says it will apply strict rules to the field days to be held soon on the farms of the three finalists in the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition. Attendees have heard that no passengers may be carried on quads and that riders must wear helmets.