The economics of farm accidents and safety in New Zealand agriculture

Abstract

This report presents an economic analysis of farm accidents in New Zealand. Presently, the social costs of farm accidents are not well understood: their monetary importance to the farmer, hence the nation,has thus far not been quantified in a way meaningful to safety policy makers. Information about the relative magnitude of social costs resulting from accidents on farms is necessary to establish the potential social benefits attributable to safety. Such information is required if safety expenditures are to be rationally allocated to priority needs.