Al McCone: Inaccurate safety claims

Al McCone

I am writing to respond to inaccurate claims in the story: Bay farmers: Safety law detrimental (October 8).

The article states "legislation passed in August ... restricts quad bike use among other rules and regulations". And that: "One of the major issues of the bill was the constraints on quad bike use, many said. The legislation forbids passengers on quad bikes."

The Health and Safety at Work Act contains no specific requirements relating to quad bikes. What it does contain is the ongoing requirement to manage workplace risks - including on farms - to keep people safe. That's been the law since the current legislation came into force more than 20 years ago.

If a business owner is doing the right things under current law, they will almost certainly be doing the right things under the new legislation. If that work involves quad bikes, then the risks that quad bikes bring with them need to be managed.

Clear manufacturer safety instructions in owner manuals and the highly visible stickers attached to the vehicles reinforce the risks of carrying passengers on bikes designed for one person, as do motor industry guidelines.

Quad bikes are useful tools on the farm. But, like all vehicles on farms, whether a quad, tractor or ute, it's about using the right vehicle for the job. If you need to carry passengers then use a quad bike designed to carry passengers, or use a vehicle better suited for the task.

I'd also like to address the claim the agricultural industry is over regulated and safety involves piles of paperwork.

The Health and Safety at Work Act will not impose onerous new requirements on farmers. It's an extension and strengthening of the existing law, putting the onus on those who can actually influence health and safety decisions. While there may be a bit of work getting things up and running, once it is in place good health and safety practice will just be part of daily work activity. Managing risks is all about protecting the most important resource on your farm - you, your family, staff, and visitors. It's the right thing to do and it's good business too.

Good health and safety in the workplace isn't about endless forms. It's about everyone looking after themselves and each other. You simply need to have a system that identifies and manages the workplace risks created on the farm so that everyone knows what to do. It doesn't need to be complex.

Put some thought into your health and safety system before injuries occur, instead of regretting not doing so when it's too late.

-Al McCone is WorkSafe's agriculture programme manager.

-Business and civic leaders, organisers and interest groups can contribute opinions. The views expressed here are the writer's personal opinion and not the newspaper's. Email: editor@hbtoday.co.nz.