The rate of falls, injuries and even fatalities among livestock operators is high.
A trial of livestock unloading equipment will be funded under the next round of the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative program.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the program was one of 12 proposals approved for a share of the $3.9 million funding by the NHVR, supported by the Federal Government.
“Landings used for loading and unloading livestock can greatly add to the safety of operators, reducing falls and giving better access to the trailer,” Mr Chester said.
“Livestock is unpredictable, particularly when loading or unloading, and any sudden movement is a risk to an operator who is usually working at heights.
“This trial, proposed by the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) will not only construct and trial a Stock Crate Pivot Access Landing frame at a livestock processer, but also look at innovative funding options and how it might be rolled out at other locations across Australia.
“The rate of falls, injuries and even fatalities among livestock operators is too high and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this trial to improve both operator safety and productivity in the heavy vehicle industry.”
Chair of the ALRTA National Animal Welfare Committee John Beer said the ‘proof of concept’ project had potential to greatly improve safety and productivity in the livestock supply chain.
“Transport operators have to rely on other parties in the supply chain to provide loading and unloading infrastructure, such as livestock ramps and pivot access unloading frames,” Mr Beer said.
“High quality infrastructure can greatly improve safety and productivity for heavy vehicle operators and this project will demonstrate an innovative new funding mechanism that incentivises rapid infrastructure improvements throughout the road transport supply chain.”
Mr Chester said the funding would also support a campaign targeting the appropriate use of shared rest stops by caravaners and heavy vehicle operators.
