The Beef + Lamb NZ workshops, run by Exigent Risk Management with input from WorkSafe, promote a safety management system involving plans and procedures that can be easily customised for individual farms.
Exigent facilitator Todd Karipa said the aim is to make the information as accessible as possible by encouraging communication between those running the workshop and the farmers taking part, rather than telling farmers what they have to do.
“Farmers know what they do better than anyone else and they want to keep themselves, their families and their workers safe.”
The workshops provide advice on how to put in place workable on-farm systems that will ensure farms comply with health and safety regulations.
A WorkSafe representative is at each workshop to answer questions about legislation and compliance.
Karipa said the inclusive approach helps to break down misconceptions about WorkSafe’s role and encourage farmers to invite the regulator onto their properties to provide first-hand advice.
B+LNZ western North Island extension manager Jason Griffin said the workshops aim to help farmers understand the requirements under the Health and Safety Act in a way that is easily understood.
Farmers are given an information pack that includes a farm safety management plan, safe work procedures, registers and forms to ensure safety procedures and training are recorded and kept track of.
Numbers at the workshops are kept to less than 30 to encourage people attending to take part in discussions.
Workshops are held around the country based on demand from farmers.
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Contact a Beef + Lamb extension manager for further information
