Media Releases
OSH Horror at Death of Youth Prompts Urgent Alert
Tuesday 17 February 1998
An horrific death of a Waikato youth has prompted the Occupational Safety and Health Service of the Department of Labour (OSH) to issue an urgent alert to the farming community.
A 14-year-old was killed on the weekend when the four-wheeled motorbike he was driving (an All Terrain Vehicle, or ATV), ploughed through a length of ‘No. 8’ wire placed across a race,* severing him at the neck.
"OSH are currently investigating this tragic and saddening death," said OSH spokesperson Lisa-Marie Richan, "but we felt compelled at this stage to alert farmers to the dangers of placing wires across farm races."
"OSH urges farmers who have placed wires across farm races to immediately check that the wires are clearly visible. Tags or strips of material can be fitted or tape can be used instead of wires," Ms Richan said.
"We are also asking farming organisations to alert farmers to the dangers highlighted by this terrible incident."
"Steps must be urgently taken to ensure that this tragic and preventable accident never happens again," said Ms Richan.
An inspector will continue investigating the accident with the hope of completing a report by the end of the week.
*a ‘race’ is a makeshift barrier erected while moving livestock around a farm
