Federated Farmers advocates for farm safety
Released 16 Jun 2010
Federated Farmers is urging farmers to exercise safe on-farm practices, in light of ACC's announcement this morning that there's one farm death every 28 days.
"Federated Farmers takes farm safety very seriously and it's disappointing to see farming portrayed in such a negative light," says Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers health and safety spokesperson.
"Federated Farmers works hard to reduce on-farm accidents, through education, through our leadership of the Agricultural Health and Safety Council and our participation in FarmSafe.
"Among other things, we've been working with ACC and the Department of Labour to encourage safe quad bike use on farms, so it is disappointing to see the finger pointed at farmers. Moreover, ACC seems to have failed to distinguish between on-farm and recreational quad bike use and that's a hurdle we come up against time and time again.
"As soon as someone mentions a quad bike accident, everyone thinks it's a farm accident, but in fact a lot of accidents actually occur during recreational use. We've been advising our members of the importance of wearing a helmet and staying safe when operating these vehicles.
"ACC has produced three new safety booklets aimed at helping to minimise on-farm risks. The Agriculture Health and Safety Council has worked closely with ACC to help produce these booklets.
"Federated Farmers fully endorses safe on-farm practices. We understand that agriculture is a risky occupation and that's why we continue to work with our members to ensure accident numbers are reduced," Mr Aubrey concluded.
For further comment:
Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers health and safety spokesperson, 027 623 7157
