Dear WorkSafe New Zealand,

In recent years agricultural farmers have moved away from the ‘do it yourself’ method of farming to one of engaging contractors for a number of farming functions.

My information request relates particularly to employees operating machinery and driving harvesting vehicles whilst engaged in silage making, hay bailing and similar such activity.

These people traditionally work long hours during the summer months and much of their work is off-road.

What regulatory controls are in place to ensure that such employees work ‘reasonable’ hours in any 24 hour period to protect their safety and well-being?

What regulatory controls are in place to ensure that time operating machinery and driving tractors, trucks and harvesters is recorded?

Are there any projects on WorkSafe NZ’s programme to improve the safety and well-being of employees in such activities?

I look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully,

S.J.Gwynne