Loading ramps standard released in support of farmer safety

Standards Australia has developed the recently published Livestock loading/unloading ramps and forcing pens livestock ramp standard with the safety of workers and wellbeing of livestock in mind, to promote consistency across the farming sector. The safety standard aims to assist the many agricultural businesses in Australia using livestock ramps, with the guidance intended to promote safe practices in agricultural businesses across Australia that may be using livestock ramps. The initial development of the standard came after the death of a transport worker while unloading livestock on a loading ramp in October 2013.

The pre-existing Australian Livestock & Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) ‘Guidelines for Ramps and Forcing Yards’ helped guide the development of the standard. Michael Debenham, Chair of the Animal Welfare Committee, said the standard has had plenty of industry input, making it an important benchmark for the manufacturing and use of livestock ramps. “This guidance will assist to create safer workplaces for both livestock and our workers through consistent information for owners, manufacturers and regulators across the country,” Debenham said.

Roland Terry-Lloyd, Head of Standards Development at Standards Australia, stated that Standards Australia will continue to work proactively with the agriculture sector to further equip rural communities with the tools to help them carry out their work and better protect workers across the country. “We hope this standard helps to improve safety and build confidence across rural regions and within the many farming communities,” Terry-Lloyd said.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Gerard Koudenburg