011 Farm Toll four less than 2010
31 January 2012
2011 Farm Toll four less
than 2010
While the Farm Toll, or the number of
agricultural deaths has fallen from 19 in 2010 to 15 in
2011, Federated Farmers is committed to bring it down still
further.
“Any death is a tragedy and it’s much
worse when it happens at a place of work that is also their
home,” says David Rose, Federated Farmers health and
safety spokesperson.
“Federated Farmers is committed
to working with the Department of Labour, with ACC and with
the Coroner to make our members take health and safety
seriously. I myself have been fronting a campaign to
highlight the causes of farm accidents.
“While one
year doesn’t make for a trend we are pleased to see four
fewer deaths recorded in 2011. Yet it is the age profile
where there has been marked change.
“In 2010,
eight of the 19 deaths came from those aged under the age of
50, including five aged under 40. In 2011, four of the 15
deaths came from those aged under the age of 50 with two
under the age of 40.
“2011 also includes the most
unimaginable tragic accident involving a
child.
“What this means is that we have seemingly
hit a brick wall involving those over the age 50. It was 11
deaths in 2010 and it stubbornly remains 11 for the 50 plus
age group in 2011.
“We’re heartened that the
safety message seems to be getting through to younger
farmers. Last year, Federated Farmers launched a health and
safety manual specifically designed to be relevant on-farm.
This is now being used by hundreds of our
members.
“While we’ve seemingly made a step
forward there, we’re concerned that those over the age of
50 could be taking a, ‘do as I say, not as I do’
approach to safety.
“This is further shown by
occupational quad bikes fatalities on-farm. There were five
workplace deaths involving quad bikes in in 2010 with four
involving those over 50. Of the four quad bike deaths in
2011, all four involved farmers aged over
50.
“Certainly, it’s something we’ll be
discussing with the Department of Labour and with ACC
because we need these farmers to realise their luck will
eventually run out.
“In terms of quad bikes we were
pleased to seen an increase in sales. This reflects farmers
positively investing in modern kit and better designed
machines.
“In 2012, Federated Farmers focus will be
on additional safety features, such as an audible reversing
alarm made standard on all new quad bikes. We plan to start
discussions with manufacturers shortly on that and other
concepts,” Mr Rose concluded.
Federated Farmers
Occupational Health and Safety Manual can be acquired by
calling 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING).
2010
Fatalities recorded by the Department of Labour are
available, by clicking here.
2011
Fatalities recorded by the Department of Labour are
available, by clicking
here.
ends