Worksafe bullies should be kept out of farmers’ private buildings

“No worksafe inspectors will be allowed to snoop around farmers sheds without owners authorisation and proof of just cause “ ACT Leader Jamie Whyte said today

"ACT has been contacted by farmers disturbed that Worksafe inspectors have knocked on their doors after already having checked the condition of farm bikes parked in farm sheds. 'They feel it is an intrusion into their private life '

"ACT does not believe the fact that farms are workplaces justifies Worksafe inspectors poking around in sheds and buildings that are in many ways extensions of a farmer’s home. “Farms are personal places, often family units and sheds can have personal family items, boats and fishing gear alongside the farm bike. Worksafe inspectors need to respect this.

"ACT accepts Worksafe have a job to do, but they have tremendous powers that exceed those of the police to enter workplaces without due cause of any wrong doing, ACT does not consider they have been respectful guardians of that power. ACT wants limitations placed on their power of entry for workplaces like farms that are also a home.

"Worksafe inspectors already have limited access to home business when part of a home is used for business and ACT wants these limitations to apply to farms.

"ACT will work with National as new health and safety legislation works its way through parliament to protect the rights of farmers to prevent intrusions in to their private space. Said

“Farmers don’t need any more compliance police snooping about-there is too many already” said Jamie Whyte

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