Pastoral farming (dairy, sheep and beef), and services to agriculture are the most dangerous parts of the industry, and research shows poor information, low awareness of the issues, poor understanding of the benefits of good health and safety systems, fragmented leadership in the rural sector and inconsistent messaging are some of the barriers to reducing accidents on farms, according to national workplace health and safety agency WorkSafe.
Safer Farms, developed after a review of issues and ACC data, is now working with farmers to identify risks on their properties and can be done to alleviate the dangers, not only to themselves but also others who come on to their properties, ranging from contractors to recreational users.
Both Mr Wills and Mr Powell say there are farmers who have feared the regime, but Mr Powell says it's for their safety and protection, and there are responsibilities on other users. Extensive resources, including signage and written and online material, are available.
Mr Powell, who has a background of 30 years in forestry and a passion for safety, said the focus was on prevention rather than "just compliance", with hopefully no need for enforcement action.
But he points out if disaster does happen on the farm it will be followed by full inquiry, and if things that could have prevented the tragedy had not been done, anyone found responsible will face the consequences.
Farm safety issues have been highlighted most in recent years by farm-bike tragedies but a farm safety risk assessment covers all aspects.
These range from potential dangers in design features in the woolshed, including shearing stand, catching pen gate and porthole placement and others which may contribute to shearer back injuries, to the maintenance of machinery, storage of chemicals or the perils of the outdoors, such as recently sprayed paddocks.
