Man trampled by cattle at Geelong abattoir

Man Trampled by Cattle at Geelong Abattoir

A man in his twenties sustained severe injuries after being trampled by cattle at a Victorian abattoir in Geelong. This latest news highlights ongoing safety risks faced by workers handling livestock in processing facilities across Australia.

What Happened at the Corio Abattoir

Incident occurred around 1:55pm on Sunday at the Corio abattoir. Cattle reportedly broke free before the worker was trampled, leaving him with significant injuries requiring urgent medical attention.

According to Ambulance Victoria, the man was brought to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious but stable condition, having suffered injuries to his upper body. Health authorities confirmed his condition remained stable following transport from the scene.

WorkSafe Response

WorkSafe has acknowledged awareness of this incident. A spokesperson confirmed WorkSafe has been informed and inspectors will assess whether additional steps are necessary to prevent similar events at cattle facilities.

This case follows a pattern seen in other reports, including a man trampled by cows in southeast Queensland, underscoring recurring hazards linked to livestock handling nationwide.

Why Cattle-Handling Safety Matters

Workers in abattoirs, transport, and mustering operations face constant exposure to unpredictable animal behaviour. Beyond being trampled, employees risk crush injuries near a cattle truck, yards, or loading ramps.

Robust safe work practices reduce these risks substantially. Employers should ensure:

• Clear separation between personnel and cattle during loading and unloading
• Documented procedures such as a Loading & Unloading Cattle SWMS for consistent, compliant handling
• Adequate training on animal behaviour and emergency response
• Regular health and safety audits of yards, races, and equipment

Related Incidents in the News

This is not an isolated case within recent news coverage of livestock-related injuries. Similar events include a report where a man tumbles off horse during cattle mustering in Queensland, and another involving a man injured in quad bike crash while mustering cattle.

Together, these news stories reinforce why comprehensive risk assessments remain essential across every stage of cattle handling, from paddock to abattoir floor.

Supporting Safer Work Environments

For businesses seeking to strengthen compliance beyond livestock operations, resources like a Workbox Safe Work Method Statement help ensure consistent documentation across varied high-risk tasks.

WorkSafe's ongoing involvement in this Geelong case demonstrates continued regulatory focus on worker health outcomes within Victoria's agricultural and processing sectors. As more news emerges, further updates will confirm whether additional safety measures get introduced at the site.

The above article was first released by Seven News.