After previous employment in the mining industry where he had to deal with an unfortunate work-related fatality, WVLX manager Tim Nowell has made worker safety a priority, and non-negotiable objective at the new Mortlake saleyards.
With up to 30 staff working at the facility, Mr Nowell has introduced the wearing of protective “riding” vests, compulsory for all staff, and the wearing of “bull rider” helmets, for those working in high-risk (drafting) areas.
“Cattle can be unpredictable animals,” Mr Nowell told Stock & Land recently.
“We want our staff to come to work and return home safely.
“We’ve looked at and identified all the high-risk areas in our yards, and our workers must wear our full safety kit.
“Hopefully they will never need them but swing gates and animals that kick do present problems for safety, which are accidents we are doing our best to avoid.”
Mr Nowell said he believes WVLX are the only saleyards in Victoria, and perhaps nationally, to introduce the wearing of safety equipment for its yard-staff.
“We have spoken to WorkSafe about the program and with recent fatalities in the livestock industry they are very interested in the outcome,” he said.
WorkSafe regional operations manager Trevor Butler said WorkSafe welcomes any initiative that may reduce the safety risks associated with working with cattle, “from changing systems and processes through to the use of appropriate personal protective equipment”.