Source: Federated Farmers
New health and safety guidance will give farmers greater certainty about what is expected of them when managing risks on-farm, Federated Farmers says.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden today launched two new Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) covering roles and responsibilities in agriculture and safe farm vehicle operation.
Federated Farmers health and safety spokesperson Greg Anderson says the organisation has worked closely with the Minister and WorkSafe throughout the development of the ACOPs.
“We’ve been heavily involved in this process from the beginning to make sure farmers’ experiences and concerns were reflected.
“Through webinars, direct engagement and detailed feedback, farmers have had a strong voice, and we’re proud to have played a part in getting these changes to where they are today.
“This is exactly what good advocacy should look like – working with Government to get better, more workable rules for farmers.”
Anderson says the finished ACOPs provide much-needed clarity around how health and safety responsibilities work in the fast-changing environment of a farm.
“We all agree that farm safety is absolutely vital and that we need to be doing better, but the rules also need to be grounded in fairness and common sense.
“Farmers will be pleased to see these ACOPs focus on the realities of farm life and provide practical guidance they can actually use – not just vague guidelines.
“Farms are dynamic workplaces, with farmers, employees, contractors and other businesses often working together.
“Having clearer guidance around who’s responsible for what, and how those responsibilities overlap, will give farmers a lot more confidence.”
The Roles and Responsibilities in Agriculture ACOP provides guidance for situations where farmers, managers, workers, contractors, suppliers and others have overlapping health and safety duties.
Meanwhile, the Safe Farm Vehicle Operation ACOP sets out practical ways to manage serious vehicle-related risks, including choosing the right vehicle for the job, assessing conditions and keeping people clear of vehicle movements.
“Vehicle safety is a critical part of farm safety, so having practical guidance around how to manage those risks is important,” Anderson says.
“Good health and safety should be about identifying and managing real risks, rather than farmers having to navigate unnecessary complexity or paperwork.”
The ACOPs will come into effect on 1 April 2027 alongside amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, including changes clarifying responsibilities for recreational activities, director duties and the compliance burden on small businesses.
Federated Farmers also welcomes the potential for the ACOPs to receive safe-harbour status following the legislative changes.
“This is absolutely something we’ve been calling for, because farmers need confidence that if they follow recognised guidance, they are doing what the law expects of them.
“The possibility of safe-harbour status would provide another important layer of certainty and clarity for farmers.
“We’ll continue working closely with WorkSafe to make sure the guidance works in practice and reflects the realities of farming.”
Anderson says Federated Farmers is happy to see the Government’s health and safety reforms progressing.
“We’re proud to have played a meaningful role in helping get this reform process off the ground, and it’s good to see some of the changes farmers have been calling for now taking shape.
“There’s still work to do to lift the bar on farm safety, but farmers need rules that help them manage risk effectively, rather than simply creating more compliance.
“Our priority 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.”
You can find links to the ACOPs here: