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

Agri-chemical Update

Agri-chemical Update

A closer look at Autumn sown arable crops, Barley grass control in Pasture and Weed control in Lucer...

Read More
Winter Agronomy Update 2024

Winter Agronomy Update 2024

‘Dry’ has been and remains a commonly used term when describing weather and soil conditions for th...

Read More
Making their own luck

Making their own luck

For the Currie family of Methven, the capacity for hard work, the love of family and the mental disc...

Read More
Celebrating our equestrian community

Celebrating our equestrian community

Horses were indispensable on farms until the advent of motor-driven vehicles and tractors in the ear...

Read More
Managing ewes post-weaning to maximise next year’s production

Managing ewes post-weaning to maximise next year’s production

After weaning, the focus has traditionally gone onto the lamb crop, but for ewes, the period between...

Read More
Looking ahead at NZ-USA Trade

Looking ahead at NZ-USA Trade

As the world awaits the return of Donald Trump to the White House, there has been a lot of conversat...

Read More




Account Selector