The NSW Government will host a number of safety workshops across the state aimed at reducing horse-related injuries and fatalities among novice and beginner riders.
Executive Director of SafeWork NSW, Peter Dunphy, said the NSW Code of Practice for managing risks when new or inexperienced riders or handlers interact with horses in the workplace (COP) had been in place since February 2017, and delivered the most comprehensive and legally enforceable practice document within the horse industry.
“This is Australia’s first dedicated Code of Practice to assist employers and workers in the horse industry in reducing injuries and meeting their workplace safety responsibilities,” Mr Dunphy said.
“Of the 133 fatalities in Australia between 2000 and 2014 – 42 of which were in NSW, 18 per cent involved people under the age of 20, which is why the code is aimed at novice riders.
“SafeWork NSW is working hard to raise awareness of the COP, and is supporting the equine industry in applying it in the workplace.
“SafeWork will conduct a series of targeted public workshops for equine businesses across the state over the coming months.
“The workshops will discuss what the COP is and what workers and workplaces it relates to, as well as examining the different safety systems for varying disciplines within the horse industry.
“There will be training sessions to outline the responsibilities of businesses and individuals when new or inexperienced riders or handlers interact with horses in the workplace, and how to manage the associated risks.
“The COP itself has been developed after extensive consultation with industry, and we are very keen to continue to work together to see it adopted to help drive down any incidents and help keep workers safe,” Mr Dunphy said.
Find and register for an event.
Back to top