WorkSafe develops new guidance to help Victorian farmers work safely with cattle

WorkSafe Develops New Guidance to Help Victorian Farmers Work Safely With Cattle

WorkSafe Victoria has released new guidance on working safely with cattle. The Beef Cattle Handling Safety Information reminds farmers to put safety first when handling cattle, offering a practical guide for agriculture operators managing herds across the state.

Summary: Cattle handling ranks as the second leading cause of farm deaths in Victoria, prompting WorkSafe to publish targeted guidance for agriculture workers. The resource covers safe handling practices, transport considerations, and emergency preparedness for anyone working with cattle on a daily basis.

Why This Guidance Matters for Agriculture Workers

According to WorkSafe, cattle handling is the second leading cause of farm deaths in Victoria. Statistics show four people have died in cattle incidents since 2018. On average, one person is seriously injured in an incident involving cattle every week to claim workers compensation.

These figures highlight just how hazardous cattle work can be, even for experienced operators. Manual handling tasks involving livestock present ongoing challenges, particularly when yards, plant, or transport equipment are not designed with worker safety in mind.

WorkSafe's Message to Farmers

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Narelle Beer said the message – 'it's the least I can do' – encourages farmers to "do the right thing" while urging them to focus more on safety when working with cattle.

"We know safety is not a fixed concept, it's an ongoing process and we're working alongside farmers, workers, cattle service providers and the wider industry to help everyone reach at least a basic level of safety and strive for continual improvement," Dr Beer said.

What the Cattle Handling Guide Covers

The new guide addresses several practical areas relevant to day-to-day agriculture operations, including:

• Safe handling techniques for yards, races, and loading ramps
• Correct use of plant and equipment during cattle transport
• Reducing manual handling strain during mustering and drafting
• Emergency response planning for cattle-related incidents
• Working alone considerations for isolated agriculture properties

Transport remains one of the most hazardous stages of cattle work, since loading and unloading exposes workers to unpredictable animal behaviour. The guide recommends reviewing transport routes, ramp design, and plant condition before every job to reduce risk.

Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

WorkSafe's approach recognises that no single guide eliminates every risk on a working property. Instead, the goal is to support farmers, employees, and service providers in building safer habits over time.

For agriculture businesses looking to formalise their processes, pairing this guidance with documented safe work procedures can strengthen compliance and provide clearer instructions for new workers. Readers may also find value in Victoria's broader farm safety initiative, which outlines additional support available to the sector.

Businesses managing injured employees returning to cattle handling duties after an incident can also review guidance on supporting injured workers back into the workplace, which complements WorkSafe's cattle handling recommendations.

More Information

For more information, go to the WorkSafe Victoria website. Farmers, agriculture workers, and cattle service providers are encouraged to review the full guide before the next handling or transport task begins.