Farmer safety disguised by wheel of misfortune

PowerCo have done something different to draw the crowd at their seventh Fieldays exhibit this year.

They have used a ‘wheel of fortune’ idea to inform the public about electricity risks around the farm.

The Wheel of Mis-Fortune, which people spin to win a prize, also educates children about safety around electricity and a range of other safety related messages.

Events co-ordinator Lorraine Harding said there were a worrying amount of farmers being injured by power lines and fences.

“DIY tree-trimming is a safety problem. We want farmers to be aware of the risks.”

According to Statistics New Zealand, agriculture workers were among those that had the highest incidence rates, with 211 work-related injury claims (per 1000 workers) in 2011.

Corporate affairs manager Neil Holdom said: “The wheel is a positive way to engage people with a safety message like keeping trees on their properties away from power lines.”