SafeWork has issued a safety alert after 10 incidents involving bulls were reported over the past 12 months, including two recent fatalities. The regulator is urging businesses to strengthen controls around livestock handling and worker separation.
SafeWork says bulls can be unpredictable and capable of causing serious or fatal injuries, particularly where workers are required to enter yards, pens or other enclosed livestock areas.
The regulator recommends using well-designed livestock handling facilities, maintaining separation between workers and animals where possible, and providing accessible escape routes, refuge points and self-closing personnel gates.
Businesses are also advised to ensure cattle yards, races, forcing yards and loading facilities are fit for purpose and properly maintained. Livestock movements should be planned before loading, unloading, drafting or treatment tasks begin, and bulls should be assessed for temperament and behaviour before handling.
SafeWork says higher-risk livestock handling tasks should be adequately supervised, with assistance provided where needed. Safe systems of work should also be developed and implemented for cattle handling activities.
Workers should receive suitable information, instruction, training and supervision in livestock handling techniques and animal behaviour, and wear appropriate footwear and other task-specific protective clothing.
The alert follows 10 reported bull-related incidents over the past year, including two recent fatalities, highlighting the potential consequences of close interaction with large livestock.
Official source: SafeWork NSW – Safety Alerts