WA Shearing Industry Association (WASIA) in partnership with Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) have launched two new shearing safety surveys to assist in shed safety training.
WASIA President, Darren Spencer highlighted that shearing is a high-risk occupation. “Our goal is to use the information from the surveys to develop programs for those who work in shearing sheds and for woolgrowers,” Darren explained.
“We are developing a program to assist in improving conditions for those working in shearing sheds and improve compliance with modern workplace standards to reduce risk and injuries and to reduce insurance and worker’s compensation claims. As an industry we need to ensure we are doing everything to reduce the likelihood of injuries and accidents occurring in our shearing sheds and increase our ability to attract and keep shed staff.
“This is a great opportunity for woolgrowers and shed workers and contractors to have their say and provide input to contribute their understanding of the issues and practices of working in shearing sheds. The program is funded by AWI as they recognise the importance of developing National Shearing Shed Safety Assessment resources.”
AWI General Manager Woolgrower Services, Stephen Feighan said AWI is committed to providing practical information and tools to help growers with their on-farm decision making, improving profitability and sustainability. “We’re encouraged that the Shed Safety Assessment being designed under this project will be applicable right around Australia,” Stephen highlighted.
WASIA Program Manager Valerie Pretzel explained the organisation approached AWI for funding to re-develop the successful shearing shed safety program that was rolled out in 2006.
“It is great that AWI saw the importance of developing the tools for woolgrowers to have their shearing sheds assessed for hazard and risk identification and guide them on improvements,” Valerie shared.
The information collected via the surveys will assist in developing shearing shed best practice guidelines and shed safety assessment criteria.
The surveys are available online until 30 December 2018 and can be found from the WASIA website Workplace Health & Safety page.
"As an industry we need to ensure we are doing everything to reduce the likelihood of injuries and accidents occurring in our shearing sheds and increase our ability to attract and keep shed staff."
For further information:
Contact WASIA Program Manager, Valerie Pretzel on 0412 227 252 or email admin@wasia.com.au