Source: Federated Farmers
Federated Farmers is welcoming new Government proposals to make farm health and safety rules more practical and grounded in real-world farming.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden today announced targeted consultation with farmers and the wider agriculture sector on health and safety rule changes.
Many of the proposed changes reflect what Federated Farmers and its members have been calling for, health and safety spokesperson David Birkett says .
“We’re really pleased the Minister has announced a raft of changes, and that she’ll be consulting directly with our sector to make sure any new rules are fit for the realities of farm life.
“This commitment to targeted consultation is a good sign farmers will be properly heard.”
Minister van Velden has announced the development of two new Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) – one on the roles and responsibilities in agriculture, and one on the safe use of farm vehicles and machinery.
“We’re very pleased to see WorkSafe will be developing an ACOP to provide clearer guidance on overlapping duties and PCBU responsibilities in agriculture.
“Farms are dynamic workplaces and we need greater clarity around who on the farm – whether it’s farmers, contractors or someone else – is responsible for particular health and safety duties, and how they can work together to manage risks.
“It’s also great to see movement on quad bike safety, because this is where most fatalities are happening. If we’re going to reduce harm, that’s the place to start.”
The Minister confirmed the Government will strengthen the ACOP model so businesses that comply with them have confidence they’re meeting their legal duties.
“This is something we’ve been calling for, and it will give farmers clarity and confidence,” Birkett says.
“We’re committed to working closely with WorkSafe throughout the process to make sure these codes are developed with farmers, not prescribed by Wellington bureaucrats.”
The Minister also announced a review of the rules around children carrying out light chores on family farms, such as feeding animals and watering plants.
“We strongly support clarification around what kinds of farm activities children can safely take part in,” Birkett says.
“Family farms are unique in that they are both a home and a workplace, and kids can learn a lot when they’re safely involved.”
Federated Farmers has worked closely with Minister van Velden since she first announced the health and safety review at the organisation’s Rural Advocacy Hub at Fieldays 2024.
Since then, the Minister has joined Federated Farmers for a national webinar and visited farmers to hear firsthand about the practical challenges they face.
“We’re proud to have played a meaningful role in helping get this reform process off the ground,” Birkett says.
“Farm safety is absolutely vital, but the rules need to be grounded in fairness, practicality and common sense.
“These proposals show we’re finally moving in the right direction, with clearer and more workable expectations for farmers.
“That said, we know there’s still work needed to lift the bar in our sector. Our priority now is helping farmers feel supported and confident to engage with health and safety in a way that genuinely reduces risk on-farm – not just ticks boxes.”
