Cattle handling equipment is indispensable in the livestock industry, aiding in the safe and efficient management of herds. However, working with such equipment entails inherent risks, necessitating adherence to stringent safety protocols. In Australia, where the cattle industry is a significant economic contributor, prioritising safety in the use of handling equipment is paramount. This blog delves into the best practices for ensuring the safety of both livestock and handlers when utilising cattle handling equipment.
Understanding Equipment Types and Functionality
1. Holding Pens & Cattle Yards
When setting up cattle yards, it's important to have enough space for the cattle to move around easily. Sharp corners should be avoided to keep them from getting stuck or injured.
2. Cattle Crushes
Cattle cattle crushes are important equipment for handling cattle during vaccinations and other examinations. It's vital to regularly check and maintain the speed and strength of this equipment for everyone’s safety in the yard.
3. Loading Ramps
Loading ramps help cattle get onto trucks for transportation. RPM Livestock Equipment offers ramps with non-slip surfaces and strong construction to reduce the chance of accidents like slipping and falling during loading and unloading.
4. Headlocks and Headbails
Cattle Headlocks and headbails are used to stabilise cattle for various operations. It's imperative to adjust these devices properly to avoid causing discomfort to the animals.
Safety Protocols for Handlers
1. Know About Cattle Behaviour
As a cattle producer or farmer, you should be aware of cattle behaviour and how they tend to act under stress. It is advisable that before operating any equipment, the handler should undergo some hands-on training in equipment usage, animal behaviour, and safety procedures. Don’t let an inexperienced or new handler operate any equipment.
2. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Handlers must wear appropriate PPE, including sturdy footwear, gloves, and, if necessary, helmets should be considered for inexperienced operators or wild cattle are being processed. Protective gear can mitigate the risk of injury from kicks, bites, or accidental contact with equipment.
3. Maintain Clear Communication
Clear communication among operators is essential to ensure smooth operations and prevent accidents. Establishing hand signals or verbal cues can help coordinate movements effectively, especially in noisy environments.
4. Implement Safe Handling Techniques
Operators should utilise low-stress handling techniques to minimise agitation and potential injuries to the cattle. Avoid excessive noise or sudden movements that may startle the animals, leading to unpredictable and threatening behaviour.
RPM Livestock Equipment: Leading the Way in Cattle Handling Solutions
RPM Livestock Equipment, a leading manufacturer and supplier of cattle handling solutions, is renowned for its unwavering commitment to prioritising safety. This Australian equipment-providing company places the safety and well-being of both livestock and operators at the forefront of its business philosophy. Along with a deep understanding of the inherent risks, we develop and implement innovative solutions to all cattle-handling-related risks.
From its heavy-duty hydraulic headbails to its state-of-the-art pneumatic crushes, every product in RPM's extensive lineup is designed with safety in mind. Our dedication to safety extends beyond just product offerings, encompassing equipment assistance, ongoing maintenance and inspection procedures, to raise safety standards.
With RPM Livestock Equipment, safety isn't just a priority—it's a core value that drives everything they do, ensuring a safer, more sustainable future for Australian agriculture. Through our unwavering focus on safety, we offer a helping hand to those farmers and cattle handlers who have to manage everything without any external help.
Ensuring safety when using cattle handling equipment is paramount for the well-being of both animals and handlers. It is essential for Australian cattle producers to grasp how the equipment works, follow safety protocols, and stick to maintenance guidelines of their equipment. This approach helps minimise risks and promotes a safer working environment. Always remember, that safety is a collective responsibility in the livestock industry, and prioritising it benefits everyone involved. Follow our blogs for more useful information.