Govt to rethink farm health and safety rules with practical reforms
Farmers are welcoming new Government proposals to make farm health and safety rules more practical and grounded in real-world farming.
Health and safety reforms on farm are coming, according to consultants OnFarmSafety New Zealand.
The company says from talking to farmers in recent months, it seems many remain confused.
“The problem is it all seems too hard and the general perception is that most don’t know where to start; it will involve a lot of paperwork and be very time-taxing,” it claims.
“You will have to set up some good sound health and safety systems, but it doesn’t need to feel like you’re planning the next Mount Everest expedition.
“Your health and safety system needs to work for you, your style of doing business and in a way that gives you peace of mind that you have taken ‘all practicable steps’ to ensure the safety of anyone on your property, including staff, contractors and visitors.”
OnFarmSafety systems and processes are designed to make sure farmers are able to gain good working knowledge on the subject of health and safety, while still having the time to run their business.
It starts the process with a full assessment audit of how you currently operate and what you do either informally or in writing. This enables the company to tailor a system specifically for each client to give them the confidence that if there is a serious situation they have taken all the necessary measures required.
Every workplace needs a health and safety plan. “If you are a one-man-band, you need to take all necessary precautions to ensure those coming onto your farm are safe and are fully aware of all the relevant hazards they could encounter.”
Tel 0508 ONFARM
One of New Zealand’s longest-running pasture growth monitoring projects will continue, even as its long-time champion steps away after more than five decades of involvement.
The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsmen Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is advising consumers to prepare for delays as insurers respond to a high volume of claims following this week's severe weather.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.

OPINION: If the hand-wringing, cravat and bow-tie wearing commentariat of a left-leaning persuasion had any influence on global markets, we'd…
OPINION: With Winston Peters playing politics with the PM's Indian FTA, all eyes will be on Labour who have the…