Since 2021 there have been four workplace fatalities and more than 240 serious injuries due to working with livestock. Many of these incidents occurred during routine tasks – a harsh reminder that just because something feels familiar doesn’t always mean it’s safe.
WorkSafe has issued a reminder to farmers to check their loading ramps and review their loading practices. The reminder includes links to free livestock loading safety resources.
WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said it is critical that farmers pause and assess the safety of their ramps and loading practices. Some red flags highlighted in the reminder include ramps that are not secured, non-adjustable ramps, ramps with no safety gate at the top and ramps that do not separate livestock and people.
Most farmers are like family with their workers, so making safety improvements around livestock handling can help everyone to come back home safely and sleep better at night. Not only do improved safety practices keep people safe, but they typically result in calmer, less stressed animals.
WorkSafe has made assessing the safety of cattle yards simpler by creating a short animation showing what safe loading looks like. A new flowchart has also been created to help farmers determine if their ramp is safe, along with updates to existing guidance.
Farmers can contact WorkSafe’s advisory service on 1800 136 089, or apply online for OHS Essentials – a free, independent and in-depth consultation service.
Read more: Time to ramp up safety in cattle yards | WorkSafe Victoria