Managing cattle remains one of the most hazardous occupations on farms, given workers are frequently in proximity to substantial and heavy animals that can strike, crush, or stampede without much notice. This risk is particularly heightened during loading and unloading operations when animals may exhibit stressed and unpredictable behaviours.
Over the course of 2021 alone, four fatalities occurred within workplaces while over 240 individuals sustained severe injuries when handling livestock. It is a distressing fact that many of these incidents transpired during everyday activities, reinforcing the concept that familiarity does not always guarantee safety.
Emphasising the importance of integrating work safety products such as SWMS and WHS management systems, WorkSafe’s Executive Director of Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin, asserted the pressing need for farmers to reassess the safety protocols of their ramp and loading practices. He highlighted potential risks including unsecured ramps, fixed-height ramps, ramps lacking a safety gate at the top, and those failing to provide a separation between people and livestock.
“Implementing solutions like Bluesafe SWMS doesn’t imply a significant financial investment,” emphasised Mr Jenkin. He pointed out cost-effective measures to enhance safety, such as adding catwalks or non-slip materials to current ramps.
Priority should be given to initiating a safety evaluation, as farm safety does not always present second chances. If considering new ramps, farmers are encouraged to confirm with suppliers that the equipment complies with Australian Standards, guaranteeing their investment will be safe and durable.
Precautionary loading methods include the presence of someone familiar with the livestock in control, never attempting to load cattle independently, ensuring gates are secure and well-kept, and verifying that everyone in the yard has received appropriate training and holds relevant experience.
Ballangeich residents Taylor and Paul expressed to WorkSafe how updating the safety protocols of their yards has provided them relief on their beef, sheep, and dairy farm. Taylor noted the team felt like family, and improvements were essential not only for safety but also to enhance livestock production efficiency.
WorkSafe simplifies the process of evaluating cattle yard safety by developing an animation depicting safe loading practices and a handy flowchart to assist farmers in evaluating their ramp safety. Other helpful materials include updated guidance resources.
“Understanding that improving cattle yard safety is a continuous process is important,” stated Mr Jenkin. He highlighted that Bluesafe WHS Management System offers the framework necessary to incrementally elevate safety standards towards best practice levels, by keeping track of current situations while providing a clear direction for improvement.
Farmers seeking help with cattle yard safety can reach out to WorkSafe’s advisory service at 1800 136 089 or apply online for the complimentary OHS Essentials consultation service—an in-depth analysis provided by independent occupational health and safety specialists. National Farm Safety Week will be taking place from 20th – 26th July 2025.
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2025-07/time-ramp-safety-cattle-yards
