ACCIDENTS ON FARMS

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26121, 25 May 1950, Page 6

ACCIDENTS ON FARMS

FEDERATED FARMERS’ DISCUSSION

EXTENSION OF CAMPAIGN SOUGHT Concern at the accident rate on farms was expressed by members of the executive of North Canterbury Federated Farmers yesterday. The executive agreed to urge the Department of Agriculture to extend its work on farm safety and to recommend the expenditure of dollars on suitable instructional films from the United States. Moving the resolution, Mr R. G. Rainey said that in the last nine years there had been 256 fatal accidents on farms. Accidents with tractors formed a large percentage. Publicity would be a big factor in preventing the accidents, and he suggested that instructional films should be obtained. Insufficient publicity had been given to farm safety, said Mr W. A. Franks, when seconding the motion. Mr C. G. Gardner said the executive should also emphasise safety for children on farms. With a little extra work farms could be made safe for

young children. Drinking troughs could be death-traps, but if some boulders were placed in them to reduce the depth of water, they could be made safe. Tank stands should also be made safe and every sheep dip should be covered. “How many of you have your dips covered?” he asked. Two members raised their hands. The president (Mr L. C. Gardiner) said that when he was touring the North Island with the Sheep Industry Commission he had been amazed at the places where farmers took their tractors. “I would take a tractor to most places, but certainly not where they were running theirs,’’ he said. There were not so many accidents where conditions were difficult. Where i jst accidents occurred was on apparently safe ground where the operators thought they were quite safe, said Mr D. W. Gray. Mr Gardiner said that inquiries should be made as to whether some makes of tractors were more dangerous than others. “I am behind the idea, but the appeal should be to the farmer." said Mr M. M. Fleming. “This might become a regulation and before we know where we are we will have restrictions and a sea of inspectors.” The resolution was carried without dissent.