"More people are killed in farming than any other industry in New Zealand, 20 people died on our farms in 2013. Reducing the serious injury and fatality toll in agriculture is a top priority for WorkSafe."
The programme had been developed with extensive industry input and was focussed on increasing farmer awareness and understanding of the health and safety risks on farms.
"It is about working with farmers and rural communities to take ownership of health and safety on New Zealand farms, and developing practical solutions that can deliver sustainable change."
Quad bike safety continues to be a priority for WorkSafe as they account for approximately 28 per cent of all work-related farm deaths, she said.
Federated Farmers Health and Safety spokesperson, Katie Milne said she was concerned about the impact of the $40,000 fine for a Marlborough farm couple last year who weren't wearing helmets and were carrying children as passengers.
"No one wants to see serious accidents and deaths. We need good information and evidence in the public domain that not only drives the identification of major health and safety risks, but subsequently the priorities, education and persuasion to change behaviour."
Federated Farmers had been working closely with WorkSafe New Zealand to improve farm safety, she said.
"Farmers can improve their safety performance. And we will not be fooling ourselves into thinking that only other people have accidents or that there is no inherent risk in farm environments or work."
"Fundamentally, safety is enhanced by concentrating on outcomes, increased awareness, and changing behaviour. This sort of public issue is just going to get farmers' backs up and make them feel picked on - not make them safer farm operators, which is what we want."
