Health and safety in horticulture

HEALTH AND SAFETY

IN HORTICULTURE

Words by Kate Trufitt

Last year, 2020, will be remembered for Covid-19, lockdown, Labour winning the New Zealand election, Trump losing the United States election, changes in family circumstances – the list goes on, both good and bad. We faced an ever-changed world, still we Kiwis just got on with it and even managed to have a summer holiday.

Operating during the height of Covid restrictions was a unique situation with extremely enhanced requirements for safety. It was also an opportunity for us all to gain a little more appreciation for the importance of good Health & Safety practices. In 2021 we look to continue the momentum. While many think Health & Safety is just a tick the box compliance requirement, we hope to change this perception by offering practical solutions that add value to growers’ businesses.

The Horticulture New Zealand Board has representatives from a diverse range of horticulture industries. I am a director on the Horticulture New Zealand Board and the chair of the Horticulture Health and Safety Council (HHSC). Antony Heywood is a senior manager of Horticulture New Zealand, general manager of Vegetables NZ and is the secretary of HHSC.

HHSC membership Industry / Organisation represented

Kate Trufitt

Chair

Horticulture New Zealand Board and Apata Kiwifruit Ltd Antony Heywood Horticulture New Zealand senior Secretary manager, Vegetables NZ general manager Al McCone Worksafe – agriculture lead

Loy Martinez NZ Hothouse – covered crops (vegetables) Erin Simpson NZ Apples and Pears

Alysha Crockford Mr Apple

Sarah Cameron NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc

Silua Ettles NZ Winegrowers

The HHSC work on behalf on industry to improve Health & Safety practices across horticulture. During 2021, we will continue to update you with the work we are doing and look forward to engaging with more growers on Health & Safety.

YOUR INDUSTRY

ACROSS THE SECTOR – ACROSS THE COUNTRY

24 ORGANIC PRODUCE DELIVERED