Livestock handling can include working with livestock in paddocks, laneways, yards, cattle transportation, feedlots, abattoirs, saleyards and activities relating to on-farm sales.

Workers and other persons who conduct livestock handling are at risk of sustaining injuries such as bone fractures, bruising, dislocations, crush injuries, lacerations and in some cases may be fatal.

According to data from Safe Work Australia, animals are involved in around 20% of serious injuries in the agriculture sector.

SafeWork SA inspectors will be auditing feedlots, saleyards, abattoirs and livestock exchange facilities to determine if adequate safety control measures are in place to protect workers from injury, including training, manual handling techniques and the provision of appropriate plant and systems of work to separate workers from animals.

SafeWork SA Acting Executive Director, Mr Glenn Farrell said the livestock transport industry is faced with high risk activities and it is vital that they are appropriately managed

“SafeWork SA has recently developed guidelines on livestock handling providing information on managing risks associated with handling livestock and safe design for loading ramps and yards.

I encourage anyone involved with livestock handling and transport to understand their responsibility and ways to make their workplace safe”, said Mr Farrell.

Further information:

Livestock loading and transport

Livestock handling guidelines

Guide to managing risks in cattle handling – Safe Work Australia

National guidelines for Ramps and Forcing Yards – Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association