Safe Work Australia Award goes to livestock module for cross-loading
A Queensland livestock carrier has been recognised for implementing a cross-loading module.
Frasers Livestock Transport last night took out the 2014 Safe Work Australia Award for improving health and safety within the workplace with a device that makes it safer to cross-load stock between trailers.
Its Director and former ATA Chairman, Ross Fraser, was commended for addressing a long-standing safety issue in the livestock industry, ATA Chair Noelene Watson says.
“Right across the trucking industry, businesses are taking inspiration from companies like Frasers and improving their safety,” Watson says.
“Even one injury or accident is too many but we are heading in the right direction.
“The module (has) also reduced the time it takes to cross-load stock crates which shows, once again, that good safety can often be good business as well,” she adds.
The module incorporates a series of elevated platforms, over-trailer walkways, sliding gates and barriers.
Cross-loading cattle between trailers is known to be one of the most dangerous activities in the cattle transport supply chain, with drivers exposed to working at heights, confined spaces, poor or no light conditions and dealing with unpredictable livestock.