WorkSafe encourages farmers to enhance safety measures in cattle yards during National Farm Safety Week

WorkSafe is encouraging cattle farmers to evaluate their ramps and reconsider their loading methods in observance of National Farm Safety Week, which this year focuses on the near misses that can take place every day on farms.

According to WorkSafe, cattle handling is still regarded as one of the most hazardous tasks on a farm, as employees frequently find themselves in close proximity to large, heavy animals capable of kicking, crushing, or trampling without prior notice.

WorkSafe statistics indicate four people have been fatally injured and over 240 individuals have sustained serious injuries while handling livestock since 2021.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin, emphasised the importance of farmers taking a moment to evaluate the safety of their ramps and loading procedures.

“Some red flags to look out for include ramps that are not secured, non-adjustable ramps, ramps with no safety gate at the top, and ramps that don’t separate people and livestock.”

“Even if your ramps don’t meet current safety standards, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got to spend a lot of money on brand new ones,” Mr Jenkin said. “There are cheaper ways to add safety features like catwalks or non-slip surfaces to existing ramps.”

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