Changing perceptions of health and safety in agriculture: current farmers attitudes and frameworks for changing the culture

Abstract

Health and Safety in New Zealand’s Agriculture sector is a hot topic both in the media and in farmer’s discussions. Due to high incidences of injury and deaths in agriculture, farmers are coming under increasing pressure to conform to current legislative standards; however there are multiple issues surrounding both the current and proposed legislation which have caused widespread confusion and frustration amongst farmers. The aim of this project is to explore the factors affecting current attitudes in agriculture towards health and safety, and seek to understand how change can be brought about. It is not intended to be for the purposes of statistical analysis of future research; rather, the intention is to provide the reader with some understanding of the motivations and thought processes of farmers in regards to health and safety, and explore methods of bringing about change. A review of the projects being currently undertaken by government body WorkSafe NZ provides some context, however it is not intended to be an in-depth review or critique. The main issues include farmers’ perceptions of what good health and safety practices look like, and the perceptions around the current and future health and safety legislation. Similarly, the nature of farming in New Zealand means farmers are naturally inclined to be resistant to many of the concepts being introduced by the government body WorkSafe NZ. However there are some clear strategies that can be applied to agriculture to bring about change in attitudes and perceptions, and although WorkSafe have admitted to having some unforeseen setbacks in their campaigns, they appear to be largely on the right track toward tackling a complex issue.