| 71 MEAT & WOOL » Tahi Ngatahi Woolshed WoF big tick for farmers Tahi Ngatahi Mark Barrowcliffe (above). Shearing gang at Tahi Ngatahi (below). Kim Newth New Zealand sheep farmers have been enduring rising costs of shearing amid a global shortage of shearers and skilled woolhandlers, with Australia also competing for the same pool of shearers. The NZ Shearing Contractors’ Association (NZSCA) suggests that farmers who are well-organised and have gained Woolshed WoF certification will be much more likely to attract the staff they need. This safety certification is available through the online training platform Tahi Ngatahi (‘One Together’), available for everyone working in and around the woolshed. “The competition between Australia and New Zealand for skilled staff is fierce right now,” observes NZSCA President Mark Barrowcliffe. “For farmers, it means there is a real need to focus on the facilities they are providing as this will play a key role in keeping staff in New Zealand. Having a woolshed Warrant of Fitness is a big tick that shows prospective staff you have made that commitment to providing a safe working environment.” Launched in 2018, Tahi Ngatahi uses short practical video clips and other resources to showcase industry best practice to help woolshed workers, shearing contractors and farmers get through the wool harvest safely. It was developed as a joint initiative between the NZSCA, Federated Farmers, Worksafe and ACC to address wool harvest injury rates. In 2017, there were 755 work-related injuries in wool harvesting, resulting in 9300 working days • to page 73
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