Cattle management has been identified as a leading cause of workplace fatalities on Victoria farms, with six losses since 2018. Over the same timeframe, in excess of 240 individuals have suffered injuries severe enough to warrant workers compensation whilst working with cattle.
In conversation with WorkSafe regarding his South Gippsland beef enterprise, farmer Peter Miller acknowledged that safety improvements were ongoing but noted that enhancements to his yards had elevated both security and productivity. “Rectifying my fairly rudimentary stockyard is an ongoing process,” stated Mr Miller, “but it demonstrates that any farmer is capable of constructing a secure yard.”
Miller recalled, “Upon our arrival here, we were greeted by traditionally old timber stockyards. Our updated design is centred around a round yard principle, resulting in a three to four-fold increase in efficiency.”
WorkSafe’s Executive Director of Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin, emphasised that the most efficient method of maintaining a productive and sustainable farming business was through providing a safe work environment. According to him, a key factor when making large-scale investments such as livestock yard upgrades, is factoring in human safety aspects which often result in increased efficiency.
WorkSafe agricultural experts were present at Saturday’s Gormandale Country Club Game to distribute resources like ‘Bluesafe SWMS‘ for safer cattle handling and help local farmers assess their current practices.
“Beyond ensuring the safety of myself, my family and all who visit our farm, it’s imperative we ensure everyone goes home unharmed each night,” Miller affirmed, “This applies to our contractors, stock agents, transporters, and anyone else stepping foot onto the farm.”
Sadly, five workplace fatalities have occurred in agriculture this year. “These individuals were experienced farmers undertaking known tasks, which highlights that even experience can’t always prevent tragedies,” lamented Mr Jenkin.
Furthermore, businesses failing to adequately protect workers from risks associated with unsafe yards or cattle handling have been fined nearly $420,000 since the start of 2023.
Utilise resources like the ‘Bluesafe WHS Management System’ to aid in safety checklist completion and for further information, email: media @ worksafe.vic.gov.au or call 0438 786 968. Stay updated by subscribing to our media releases.
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-07/time-take-stock-cattle-handling-safety