NHVR calls for safer livestock transport methods in the lead up to National Farm Safety Week

Jul 16th 2024 | Stephen Kariahe

NHVR calls for safer livestock transport methods in the lead up to National Farm Safety Week

NHVR Calls for Safer Livestock Transport Methods in the Lead Up to National Farm Safety Week

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is calling on all stakeholders in the livestock supply chain to adopt safer transport practices, following 14 livestock-related crashes recorded in the first four months of 2024.

This safety push comes ahead of National Farm Safety Week (14 - 20 July 2024), with the NHVR teaming up with partners across the livestock industry, including farmers, to spread this important message and reinforce sound animal handling and welfare outcomes on our roads.

Rising Crash Numbers Prompt Urgent Action

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM expressed concern over alarming statistics for this year, emphasising joint efforts with livestock stakeholders to halt this worrying trend.

"If the same rate continues, the number of crashes this year involving livestock could nearly double last year's total – a devastating outcome for the industry and community," Mr Petroccitto said.

Farm Safety as a Shared Responsibility

"Farm safety is a shared responsibility, and preventing crashes requires attention from all stakeholders in the agricultural and livestock sector," he added.

"During National Farm Safety Week, we aim to raise awareness and promote best practices for safe livestock transporting."

Why Strong Management Systems Matter

Effective risk management underpins every successful livestock transport operation. Robust management practices help operators identify hazards before a single heavy vehicle leaves the yard, reducing the likelihood of incidents on regional and rural roads.

For transport businesses, embedding management processes into daily operations supports compliance obligations while protecting drivers, livestock, and other road users. Sound management also improves consistency across fleets, ensuring every vehicle and driver meets the same safety standards regardless of route or cargo.

Pre-trip vehicle inspections as part of routine fleet management
Driver fatigue management protocols aligned with heavy vehicle regulations
Loading and animal handling procedures built into site management plans
Ongoing compliance checks to maintain access to key transport corridors

Strong management frameworks give operators the tools to ensure drivers are trained appropriately, that vehicles are roadworthy, and that livestock welfare remains a priority throughout every journey. Businesses that invest in structured management systems are better positioned to demonstrate compliance during audits and maintain uninterrupted access to freight networks.

Supporting Farmers and the Wider Livestock Industry

Farmers and transport operators alike play a critical role in reducing crash rates. The livestock industry has a shared interest in seeing safer transport practices become standard, not the exception, across every supply chain link.

Businesses looking to strengthen their own safety and management documentation can explore transport and warehousing safety templates or review transport and warehousing safety packages designed to support compliance across the sector.

For teams managing on-site risk assessments, a digital job safety analysis template can help formalise safe work procedures for loading, transport, and handling tasks.

NHVR calls for safer livestock transport methods in the lead up to National Farm Safety Week