A new Manual aimed at improving the burgeoning problem of agricultural health and safety, is being launched in Wellington this coming Thursday.

The Federated Farmers Occupational Health and Safety manual is the first specific document of this kind to targeting the unique needs of the sector.

According to figures released by Federated Farmers, there were 312 serious incidents in the agricultural sector in 2010, an increase of 15 per cent on 2009. 

In that same year the sector had 17 fatalities, up on the 9 recorded the year before.

The total cost of farm accident treatment and compensation hit $78.5 million dollars, but with the cost of premiums and lost productivity, this cost could easily multiply many times over.

Federated Farmers say it recognizes the need to turn this around because good health and safety is good business.

The manual provides guidance to employers on their obligations under the Health and Safety Act, specifically tailored for the rural sector. 

Its development has followed extensive consultation and is seen as an important step to help farm employers meet their obligations, to make sure that all employees and visitors to farms are free from any work hazards and accidents.