Shared responsibilities in shearing

Health and safety responsibilities in shearing sheds must be shared between farmers and contractors.

Sheep and wool production is a key sector of NSW agriculture and an important contributor to the economy. However, if work health and safety (WHS) risks aren't managed, workers can be at a higher risk of injury than workers in other industries.

Shearing, crutching, working in shearing sheds and other related activites can be dangeous.

This became a reality for a young woman in Central West NSW in November 2017. She suffered serious head injuries when her hair became entangled in unguarded overhead shearing gear.

Everyone has a legal duty to reduce risks in the workplace, including shearing sheds. This is essential to ensure workers have both a physically and psychologically safe workplace.

Shearing shed owners and contractors

Farmers and contractors have a shared obligation to ensure the workplace is safe, so far as reasonably practicable. This includes a responsibility to communicate, consult and coordinate with each other.

In practical terms this means:

  • there is a safe way of entering and exiting the shearing shed, including maintained access stairs with handrails
  • the shearing shed, surrounding infrastructure and shearing operations don't put people at risk, especially during shearing. This includes:
    • identification of asbestos containing material, including wall and roof surfaces and ensuring workers and others are not exposed to airborne contaminants
    • yards, races, gates, catch pens and doors are in good condition
    • the workplace has adequate ventilation and lighting
    • sheep drag paths are as straight as possible
    • shearers only use stands that match their right or left-hand shearing technique
    • let-go chutes have cut-aways to aid letting go
    • Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are fitted to the shed and regularly tested
    • emergency stop devices are fitted to plant and regularly tested
    • amenities such as toilets, wash and dining areas are available and kept clean. Both male and female amenities are available if required
    • fresh, clean drinking water is available
    • an emergency response plan and first-aid kit provisions are in place and regularly checked
    • equipment is available and workers are trained to prevent potential musculoskeletal injuries
    • psychological risks such as bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and other impacts to mental health are managed to prevent harm to workers
    • zoonotic disease controls are in place, including Q-fever screening and vaccination
    • chemical use on sheep is managed to prevent contamination risks. Chemicals must be used, stored and handles safely. Where required safety data sheets (SDS) and a chemical register are in place.
  • fixtures, fittings and plant are properly maintained and don't put people at risk. For example:
    • overhead gear is positioned high enough to avoid inadvertent contact/reach, fitted with emergency stop controls and anti-lock mechanisms
    • wool presses are fitted with a safety bar, interlocking door mechanism and emergency stop button
    • grinders are guarded and only operated in areas away from people, flammable material and in a well-lit/ventilated area
    • secure back harness suspension points are incorporated into the shed
    • noise risks are controlled.
  • there are safe systems of work. For example:
    • workers receive information, instruction and training
    • workers receive ongoing consultation about WHS, including before and during shearing operations. Shearing contractors and staff must also cooperate with any reasonable instruction, policy or procedure of the farmer or client relating to health or safety at the shearing shed or elsewhere on the property.
    • incidents, including near misses, are reported and where required, notified to SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.

Workers

While at work, all workers involved in the shear must:

  • take reasonable care for their own health and safety
  • take reasonable care for the health and safety of others
  • comply with any reasonable instructions, policies and procedure given by their employer, business or controller of the workplace
  • report injuries and anything which is unsafe.

Planning and advice

When proper planning is in place, finding and fixing health and safety problems will be more effective.

To ensure all health and safety issues are addressed, develop a documented plan that includes what needs to be fixed, how, by when and by whom. In some cases, interim measures may need to be put in place, particularly where large fixes may be required. This plan should be agreed to by all parties.

Before shearing starts, it's recommended farmers and clients communicate with the shearing contractor to review WHS and resolve any matters. This includes putting a plan in place to address matters before workers are on site. This will allow safety issues to be fixed in a planned way, which doesn't impact on the shearing or put workers at risk.

Once the job is complete, it's a good idea for contractors, farmers and workers to collectively communicate about what could be further improved before the next shearing operation.

Shed owners, who may engage alternate contractors, have a responsibility to advise them of any identified health and safety issues which have been previously identified, to ensue no worker is inadvertently put at risk.

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