Tips to Improve Cattle Yard Safety

1. Enhance Yarding Safety:

– Repair any broken rails.

– Use quality fixings (screws, bolts, chains, etc.) or welds to secure rails and prevent animals from dislodging them.

– Remove protrusions like chains, bolts, and long screws that may cause injuries or intimidate cattle.

– Ensure posts are firmly secured in the ground and don’t move.

2. Regular Safety Checks:

– Before each use, inspect the yard for any damages and undertake necessary repairs.

– Implement a system for reporting yard damage or issues, such as a whiteboard, an online OH&S app, or a repair diary.

– Promptly repair any damage to the yards.

3. Evaluate Yard Design:

– Identify points in the yard that frequently require repair, which may indicate design issues.

– Consider redesigning the yard to enhance cattle flow and reduce maintenance.

4. Engage with Yard Users:

– Seek input from people who work in various yards to gather valuable insights and identify hazards and solutions.

– As an employer, fulfill your duty under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) by consulting with employees and contractors about health and safety.

– Make safety conversations a normal part of your work routine.