Product Overview

The Livestock Handling Procedure is a comprehensive, ready-to-use work health and safety document designed specifically for Australian farming, agricultural and transport/logistics operations. It provides clear, practical guidance for managing the risks associated with handling, moving and transporting livestock, from paddock and yard work through to loading ramps, depots and saleyards.

This professionally drafted procedure helps businesses standardise safe practices across properties, depots and fleets. It supports WHS compliance obligations by addressing common hazards such as crushing, kicking, vehicle interactions, manual handling, zoonoses, fatigue and environmental exposure. The document is structured to integrate seamlessly into your existing safety management system and can be easily customised to suit your operations.

Key Features

• Detailed step-by-step guidance for on-farm handling, yard work, drafting, and low-stress livestock movement.
• Specific procedures for safe loading and unloading at ramps, depots, saleyards and abattoirs, tailored to transport and logistics environments.
• Clear role and responsibility definitions for managers, supervisors, workers, contractors and drivers.
• Built-in checklists for inspections, training, PPE, vehicle and loading area safety.
• Guidance on yard, race, crush and ramp design and maintenance to control livestock handling risks.
• Coverage of zoonoses, hygiene, manual handling, fatigue and environmental conditions.
• Templates for risk registers and record keeping to support robust safety documentation.

Benefits

• Strengthens WHS compliance by aligning day-to-day livestock handling with legislative duties and industry best practice.
• Reduces the likelihood of serious injuries from crushing, kicks, falls and vehicle interactions.
• Saves time for managers and safety staff with a complete, structured procedure that can be implemented quickly.
• Improves consistency of safety standards across farms, depots, transport routes and contractor operations.
• Supports training and induction of new workers and drivers using clear, practical instructions.
• Demonstrates due diligence to regulators, customers and supply chain partners through robust safety documentation.

Who is this for?

This Livestock Handling Procedure is ideal for:

• Family farms, corporate agricultural enterprises and feedlots handling cattle, sheep, goats or pigs.
• Livestock transport companies, owner-drivers and logistics providers moving stock between properties, saleyards and processors.
• Saleyards, depots and transfer facilities requiring consistent, documented livestock handling practices.
• Safety managers, operations managers and HR personnel responsible for WHS compliance and staff training.

Legislation & References

The procedure is informed by key Australian work health and safety legislation, regulations and guidance materials, as well as relevant animal welfare and livestock transport standards. It is designed to assist duty holders to meet their WHS obligations by providing a practical, risk-based framework for managing livestock handling activities across farming and transport/logistics environments.

By implementing this Livestock Handling Procedure, your business gains a strong, defensible foundation for safer livestock operations, improved WHS compliance and more efficient, consistent work practices.