SafeWork NSW Inspectors from across the state will assemble in Tamworth today for training in a recently launched horse safety code.
The Australian Equine & Livestock Events Centre (AELEC), Tamworth will host the training which will involve inspectors participating in theory and practical demonstrations in horse safety and the application of the Code of Practice for managing risks when new or inexperienced riders or handlers interact with horses in the workplace.
The Code, which was launched in Tamworth in December 2016 at the AELEC and came into effect in February this year, aims to help reduce horse-related injuries and fatalities among novice and beginner riders in NSW.
It is Australia’s first dedicated Code of Practice to assist employers and workers in the horse industry reduce injuries and meet their workplace safety responsibilities.
During the training, industry experts Paul Davenport, National Training Director of Horse Safety Australia and Mike Rowland, Manager of the AELEC will share their knowledge and insight from years of working with horses with the SafeWork inspectors.
Group Director Regional Operations and Sector Initiatives, SafeWork NSW, Tony Williams said SafeWork was committed to improving safety for young and novice horse riders.
“Of the 133 fatalities that occurred Australia-wide between 2000 and 2014, 18 per cent involved people under the age of 20,” Mr Williams said.
“Common safety risks include falling from a horse; incorrect use of riding equipment and tack; and a horse bolting or becoming agitated.
“This is a great opportunity for SafeWork NSW to work collaboratively with industry, especially in regional NSW, to not only raise awareness of the new horse safety Code for new and inexperienced riders but to start embedding the code in their businesses.”
This training is the first of a series of events that SafeWork NSW will be undertaking to raise awareness of the code and support businesses in its application. Further events and activities will include industry specific workshops to be run across NSW, partnering with identified horse industry stakeholders and a social media campaign.
Further information on the NSW Code of Practice for managing risks when new or inexperienced riders or handlers interact with horses in the workplace is available on the SafeWork NSW horse safety web page.
Photo opportunity: SafeWork NSW inspectors undertaking practical demonstrations of horse safety at AELEC, Camp Draft Arena, Goonoo Goonoo Road, Tamworth, 10am, Thursday 15 June 2017.
Back to top