Developing farm skills is key to reducing accidents

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 22, 30 October 1984, Page 16

Developing farm skills is key to reducing accidents

Greater emphasis on farm skills is the key to reducing farm accidents. This was the view of the Regional Manager of the Accident Compensation Corporation, Mr Aubrey Hann, at a Rural Safety Seminar held at Massey University recently. The seminar, a pilot project conducted by the Accident Compensation Corporation, was designed to get farmers thinking about skills and how better skills can improve farm safety. The latest material was displayed, including videos on stock handling, the use of farm bikes, and a fully illustrated publication on tractor safety. In discussions led by Dr Bob Holmes and Dr John Baker, Massey University authorities on animal handling and agricultural machinery working with the Corporation,it became clear that the material is aimed largely at people new to farming. It was produced with farm cadets and people

with little experience on the land, in mind. They acknowledged, however, that as farming practices change, all farmers must be kept up to date with new skills that ensure safety. Mr Hann said in his closing remarks that the Corporation plans to produce

this type of material. Fourwheel bikes, for example, would have to be covered fully and he hoped resource material on deer farming skills will soon become available. He suggested the seminar be run on a regular basis to assist this process.