Latest News

03Jan

Rural Contractors NZ launches campaign to combat fatigue risks

WORDS AND IMAGE PROVIDED BY RURAL CONTRACTORS NZ

Rural Contractors NZ has launched a campaign on the risks of fatigue in their industry. CEO Andrew Olsen says, because they work seasonally, drive big machines and face weather and crop timing challenges, rural contractors need to manage fatigue risks.

“We are saying there are risks for everyone if you push yourself or others too hard.”

Steve Murray, a second-generation Canterbury rural contractor and former RCNZ President has fronted three short videos. These have been professionally produced by farm machinery supplier Power Farming which has previously worked with Steve and is right behind the campaign. These include one video aimed at employers.

“Rural contractors take their health & safety responsibilities very seriously, but the video says they need to talk about the F word— fatigue,” says Andrew Olsen.

“Our members are up against it with the weather, crop deadlines and client expectations but they can put themselves and their staff under too much pressure. They need to build in breaks and pace things so no one gets fatigued which can cause stress and much worse.”

A second video is aimed at employees. “They’ve also got to do their bit to avoid fatigue. That includes not arriving at work really tired or stressed or hungover or unwell; if they are, or see others with such effects, they’ve got to sing out to avoid people being put at risk.”

The third video gives tips on avoiding fatigue including eating good food, drinking lots of fluids and taking breaks. The videos are supported by more detailed material on the RCNZ website.

Andrew Olsen asks all stakeholders to view and share the campaign’s details including farmers and other landowners.

“We all have a role to play. Rural contractors can sometimes be put under too much pressure to meet impossible deadlines especially when the weather plays up and crops need harvesting.

“Big machines may be able to operate 24 hours a day but those behind the wheel need their sleep and breaks to be able to do the job safely.”

“The last thing anyone wants is for a fatigued driver to do harm to themselves or someone else. We are saying let’s all work for a safe season by avoiding fatigue.”

Related

Methven family set seed standard

Methven family set seed standard

The Rakaia Gorge can be an unforgiving place to be a cropping farmer, with its howling nor’westerli...

Read More
Postman Matt and His Very Creative Daily Post Runs

Postman Matt and His Very Creative Daily Post Runs

Peel Forest postie Matt Searles is a very busy man and delivering mail along NZ’s longest single ro...

Read More
The power of learning firsthand

The power of learning firsthand

A visit from South Dakota State University students to Mid Canterbury farms is a win-win.

Read More
A spur of the moment decision yields top result for Ealing farmer

A spur of the moment decision yields top result for Ealing farmer

Ealing farmer Shayne Jones of Farmleigh Limited has taken out the best fodder beet crop in this year...

Read More
Speckle Park breed joins the dots for success

Speckle Park breed joins the dots for success

Surrounded by dairy farms in Culverden, Robbie and Anna Clark could be forgiven for feeling under si...

Read More
Strengthening rural resilience and wellbeing in challenging times

Strengthening rural resilience and wellbeing in challenging times

Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust takes a proactive approach to strengthening rural communities.

Read More




Account Selector