Preventing Farm Injuries

6 April 2023

In New Zealand, agriculture is our biggest export earner, and we’re among the best in the world for looking after livestock and crops. However, it’s also one of our most high-risk industries, and we’re not always so good at looking after our people, and preventing injuries.


In the past 5 years, the total figure for farm-related injuries is $383 million dollars. In 2020, over 60 farmers were injured every single day, for a total of 22,796 farm-related ACC injury claims. Not only does this come with a price tag for recovery, $84 million in 2020, but it has a flow-on effect for their work, families, and communities.


Stress is a factor in some injuries. A survey of recently injured farmers had 58% of them linking their accident to stress associated with farm work, with 25% saying it was a major factor. Research shows that lack of sleep, exhaustion, farming stress, isolation, and feeling unable to ‘take a break’ are all risk factors for injury.


Preventing injuries

Farming is a unique job, in a unique industry, with a unique set of challenges – only some of which are predictable. To help farmers, a wellbeing programme has been created for the rural community, and it’s available nationwide. Farmstrong is an initiative to help farmers, growers, and their families, to cope with the ‘ups and downs’ of farming by sharing things they can do to look after themselves, and the people in their business. The aim is to help farmers live well to farm well.


Farmstrong shares farmer-to-farmer tips which are supported and informed by wellbeing science, with the aim to help farmers and farm workers be better able to cope with farming life. There are many pressures in farming and increasing wellbeing builds resilience and allows you to recover quickly from setbacks. For more information, and free resources, on how Farmstrong can support you and your workers, see www.farmstrong.co.nz

 

Payroll Tips for a Hassle-Free Summer Break

4 December 2025
The Christmas season can create payroll challenges, but understanding the rules can help you stay compliant. Annual Leave: By law, employees are entitled to four weeks of paid leave per year. To avoid last-minute staffing problems, set clear deadlines for leave requests. Holiday Pay : Employees must be paid for public holidays that fall on their regular workdays. Keeping up-to-date employee records and rosters ensures accurate payment. Christmas Closures : Plan ahead for any business shutdowns. You must provide at least 14 days' notice before a closure. If an employee doesn’t have enough leave, they must be paid 8% of their gross earnings since their start date or their last leave entitlement, minus any leave paid in advance if agreed upon. Cashing Up Leave : If it’s part of the agreement or you choose to allow it, employees may cash up to one week of annual leave each year. However, you cannot pressure them into doing so. Casual Workers : Casual employees should receive an additional 8% on top of their earnings instead of accruing leave, and this must be clearly shown on their pay slips. With careful planning, you can keep payroll running smoothly, allowing both you and your team to enjoy a stress-free holiday season. Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance or clarification.

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3 December 2025
This time of year can be hard on small businesses. With a bit of pre-planning and being proactive, you can set yourself up for a financially stress-free holiday. Talk to us. We can help.

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Is your digital marketing strategy still fit for purpose? We outline four key elements your business should be using to advertise your brand and engage with new customers.
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