AN accident when loading cattle cost livestock transporter David Scott his business, seven hospital operations and could have cost his life. David says a single, sliding gate could have changed everything.

In advance of National Farm Safety Week next week (20-26 July) David, the principal of Scotts Haulage out of Roma, is sharing his story to help raise awareness of the importance of safe loading ramps, yards and livestock handling facilities.

The accident happened loading cows on a property 40km west of Roma in 2012.

“They were beautiful, big heavy cows,” he recalls.

“We were loading a B Double. We had the top three pens loaded without any problems, by there was this one cow that was a leader that kept going right to the back.

On the last pen, she was the first one into the pen. She turned around at the doorway. The other nine walked in no problems, but there was nothing to stop her coming back out, not enough time for me to slide my back gate shut.”

David couldn’t reach his door to shut it and decided to let the cow back out but with no walkway on the side of the race, he got caught and was crushed by the 700kg cow.

Sustaining cracked vertebrae and a shattered pelvis, he was hospitalised for 12 months, having to learn to walk again.

“It got to the stage I sold all my trucks and trailers because I was bedridden, in hospital and couldn’t do anything.”

Loading ramp with walkway and handrail, and slide gate at Echo Hills near Roma. Click on image for larger view

Driving trucks for more than 35 years, David was no stranger to loading and handling cattle, but said safe facilities was a must.

“I’ve loaded plenty of cattle in the Gulf of Carpentaria. You know how to handle and work cattle but in this instance without that slide gate, there was no way of keeping that cow forward.”

Thirteen years on, David is back doing what he loves, running Scott’s Haulage in Roma and said sharing his story had encouraged others to retro fit sliding gates on the top of their loading ramp.

“If you’ve got the devices, once she goes forward she can’t come back, once she is through that gate she can’t come back, once she’s on the truck, she can’t come back.”

The need for safe loading facilities

Roma cattle producer Peter Thompson said hearing about David’s accident reinforced the need for safe loading facilities on their property, Echo Hills.

“We’ve known David for ever. He was so lucky to come out of that accident alive,” Peter said.

“It reinforced in our own mind the need for safe loading facilities. We would see truck drivers clambering on loading ramp rails and realised they had to reach across to shut the truck gate.

“We added a slide gate about four head back down as well as one at the top of the loading ramp. It can help control the flow of the cattle.”

The Thompsons also had a walkway extension added on the off side of the loading ramp as well as handrails.

“It’s a simple thing. You don’t have to be overly skilled with a welder to add it on to an existing loading ramp.

“If you’re side-loading or rear-loading, you’re not relying on the truck’s gate. It keeps it safer and costs bugger all in reality.”

The sliding gates can be retro-fitted, with retail prices starting from about $250.

Farm Safety Week call to action

Meat & Livestock Australia Animal Wellbeing Project Manager Sharon Dundon said Farm Safety Week starting on Sunday was a good opportunity for livestock operators to consider the safety of yards and loading facilities.

“At the National Rural Carrier’s Convention in Canberra this year, unsafe handling facilities and truck access was one of the top issues for livestock transporters from across Australia, after poorly prepared livestock,” Ms Dundon said.

“In National Farm Safety Week we are encouraging everyone to check their yards, race, crush and loading ramp to make sure they are as safe as possible for all operators – yourselves, your family, your staff and contractors.”

“Talk to your truck driver, ask them if there is anything that would make your setup safer. It doesn’t always have to be a big cost, sometimes it’s just fixing up a few things.”

• Livestock managers can visit MLA’s Transport Hub for information on preparing yards for livestock transport including links to safe loading ramp designs and guidelines, and a a checklist for preparing for livestock transport.

Source: MLA