Working with horses
Working with horses is a high risk occupation. Did you know that one worker is hospitalised every day in Australia due to a horse related injury? For every worker injured there are a further 10 non-workers injured, this includes people injured by horses such as recreational riders and horse owners, equestrian competition riders/handlers, tourists participating in horse riding activities etc.
Falls from horses are the most common cause of horse-related fatal injuries, however, there are many types of incidents when handling horses that pose a serious risk of injury.
Workplaces such as farms, riding schools, racecourses / racing stables and trail riding businesses are high risk workplaces. High risk horse handling activities include (but are not limited to) riding, feeding, rugging, moving through gateways, handling in stables, transporting (floating) and breeding stud animals.
It is vitally important that all workplaces where horses are ridden or handled have comprehensive and appropriate risk management processes in place to reduce the risk of incidents as much as practicable. Of course, there will always be a degree of risk involved when handling horses, but it is good practice to eliminate and reduce risks whenever possible.
In 2014, Safe Work Australia released the publication “GUIDE TO MANAGING RISKS WHEN NEW AND INEXPERIENCED PERSONS INTERACT WITH HORSES”
Several leading equestrian industry bodies have excellent Risk Management resources, including regulations and guidelines specifically designed for all people who ride and handle horses in equestrian workplaces and at equestrian events and tourist facilities. These Risk Management resources also include the protection of the general public which is an important element to consider.
Stay safe ……. And happy riding !!!!
Further information available from:
