WorkSafe Encourages Farmers to Enhance Safety Measures in Cattle Yards During National Farm Safety Week

WorkSafe is calling on cattle farmers across Australia to inspect ramps, tighten loading routines, and address hazards within cattle yards during National Farm Safety Week. This year's initiative centres on near misses, small warning signs that often precede serious incidents on farms.

Farmers who check their ramps now, rather than waiting for an incident, help protect both livestock and people working alongside them daily. WorkSafe provides practical, industry-designed guidance for farmers assessing ramp safety ahead of busy handling seasons.

Why Cattle Handling Remains a High-Risk Task in Australian Agriculture

According to WorkSafe, cattle handling still ranks among the most hazardous tasks on a farm. Employees frequently work in close proximity to large, heavy animals capable of kicking, crushing, or trampling without warning.

These hazards make yards and ramps critical points for injury prevention. Poorly designed infrastructure increases exposure for employees managing stock movement, particularly when moving cattle on and off trailers.

WorkSafe Statistics on Livestock Handling Injuries

WorkSafe statistics indicate four people have suffered fatal injuries, alongside more than 240 individuals sustaining serious injuries while handling livestock since 2021. Figures like these underline why agriculture continues attracting close attention from safety regulators nationwide.

Key Red Flags Farmers Should Check on Their Ramps

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin, emphasised farmers should take a moment to evaluate safety of ramps and loading procedures before problems escalate.

“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,” Mr Jenkin said.

• Ramps lacking secure anchoring or stability
• Non-adjustable height unsuitable for varying stock trailers
• Missing safety gates at ramp entry points
• Insufficient separation between handlers and cattle

Affordable Ways to Improve Ramp Safety

“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.”

Small upgrades often deliver strong control without requiring full ramp replacement, giving farmers practical options regardless of budget. WorkSafe continues to encourage cattle farmers toward incremental improvements rather than costly overhauls.

Supporting Health and Safety Across Agriculture

National Farm Safety Week gives farmers, health professionals, and industry advocates an opportunity to reinforce good practice across agriculture. Strengthening control measures around yard procedures helps reduce preventable injuries within farming communities.

Farming businesses seeking broader guidance can review WorkSafe's recommendations on assessing cattle handling safety practices for further detail on managing livestock-related hazards.

Beyond cattle yards, other national campaigns reinforce similar messages. National Road Safety Week encourages drivers to prioritise safety of others, while National Asbestos Awareness Week reminds businesses to maintain vigilance against differing hazard categories.

Farms managing broader compliance obligations can strengthen documentation using tools such as an Electrical Safety Policy or a dedicated Electrical Safety Checklist for New Zealand operations.

Teams needing broader support can explore Workplace Safety Rules designed for New Zealand businesses, plus additional resources through our support page for safety documentation guidance.

Read more here.