New Zealand: Safety concerns over fertiliser spreading trucks

The New Zealand Groundspread Fertiliser Association, (NZGFA), is extremely concerned about the number of fertiliser spreading trucks rolling over. In the past three months eight spreading trucks have rolled, there has been one serious injury and two fatalities.NZGFA president Stuart Barwood, said the Association was “pursuing every avenue to try and make the business a lot safer.”

“Even one fatality is one too many,” Stuart Barwood said. “The Association needs to act and act now.”

“Part of the problem is the ground is rock hard from drought conditions but where there has been some rain there is a covering of soft grass and clover, certainly in the South. That means trucks can slip on steep slopes.

“Modern purpose built fertiliser groundspreading trucks with four wheel drive and diff-lock on all wheels will go places that the previous generation of trucks could not go. When they let go on hard but slippery ground, the consequences can be serious.

“We know that with Spreadmark accredited companies drivers are trained to an extremely high level. We know they are as they are regularly assessed. NZGFA will look at additional training for all drivers.

“We are also looking at any safety devices that can help mitigate the risk.
“Any groundspread driver killed or injured is a tragedy,” Stuart Barwood said. “I urge all companies to join the NZGFA so they can enjoy the training and assistance the organisation offers.”

For more information:
Stuart Barwood
Tel: +64 (03) 685-8583 or +64 (0276) 878-920