In 2022, more than 222,000 work-related injury claims were made to ACC across all industries – a rate of 87 claims per 1000 full-time equivalent employees (FTE).
Agriculture, forestry and fishing had the second highest incidence rate of claims with 149 claims per 1000 FTEs (the manufacturing industry topped out the list with 152 claims per 1000 FTEs).
Most claims related to sprains, ligament, tendon and muscle injuries. Calving is a time when farmers are prone to these types of injuries, particularly when lifting and carrying calves.
In 2021, DairyNZ joined forces with ACC and QCONZ for the three-year Reducing Sprains and Strains project, which had scientists working closely with farmers to develop solutions to reduce on farm injury risks, particularly around calving.
As part of the project, DairyNZ interviewed 119 farmers who had experienced a sprain or strain injury during the spring calving season in 2021. The research revealed most injuries happened in the paddock, from either slips, trips, or falls and twisting. Most injuries were to the back (25%), followed by ankle (15%), knee (13%) and shoulder injuries (12%).
While half the injured farmers carried on working, 28% needed to take a week off work, and 21% were off work for longer. On average, injured workers needed around 12 days off work, which can seriously impact farm teams.
The project has resulted in a number of great initiatives including KEA Trailers’ development of the Easy-Entry Calf Trailer Gate with hands-free spring-loaded saloon doors to make loading calves easier and safer, and Gallagher’s Easy-Access Calf Pen Gate that allow farmers to move hands-free between pens while carrying equipment or stock.
Farm without Harm
Like all parts of the Co-operative, Farm Source puts considerable effort and focus on health and safety and the Co-op has safety management systems built in to all areas of the business – both on farm and off.
Having a Health and Safety Plan is a critical part of The Co-operative Difference and there are also minimum standards that are set out in the terms and conditions of supply that farmers need to meet.
The Farm Source team works alongside farmers, providing tailored support to help them meet the standards. We have a range of resources available for Co-op farmers and are in the middle of a three-year collaboration with the Rural Support Trust to improve access to wellbeing and resilience services for farming families.
The Co-op is also a key member of the industry-wide initiative, Farm Without Harm. The initiative includes a pledge that organisations and farmers can sign to show their commitment to the cause.
Tips to stay safe and well this spring
Don’t be a hero
· Get help when lifting heavier calves
Upskill
· Take part in Farm Strong’s Fit for Calving programme
· Check out Farm Without Harm for resources and workshops
Use specialised equipment
· Use a trailer designed for transporting calves
· Install mats in the milking shed to help shorter staff to milk safely
· Install specialised calf pen gates
· Use a pivoting trolley to transport heavy buckets of milk and colostrum
Work smarter, not harder
· Pipe milk into calf feeders instead of carrying buckets
Stay organised to minimise trip hazards
· Tidy as you go
· Ensure equipment is put away
Choose the right gear
· Farm Source has a range of clothing footwear designed specifically for dairy farmers
Communicate
· As a team, check in with each other each week to identify and address potential on-farm hazards
Check out your local Farm Source store for safety and security equipment or jump online at store.nzfarmsource.co.nz
References:
Statistics New Zealand. Injury statistics – work-related claims: 2022. 25 September 2023.
ACC grant helping to reduce farm injuries
DairyNZ. Reducing Sprains and Strains
Farmstrong - Fit for Calving Exercise Programme