Saleyards safety issue shows gaps in knowledge: LRTAV

Last month, OmbudsmanSA found in favour of a complaint from Mr Debenham, on behalf of the LRTAV, saying SafeWork SA had not "acted appropriately" following a report of unsafe cattle loading ramps at the Mount Gambier saleyards.

The initial report, made in January 2018 and expressing concern about three loading ramps and forcing yards, led to a meeting between LRTAV, Livestock Rural Transporters Association of SA, SafeWork SA and the District Council of Grant in February last year, where an agreement was made for the council to carry out necessary modifications to mitigate these hazards.

In June last year, SafeWork SA signed off of the inspection, despite not all modifications being finished, then two months later a livestock transporter was hospitalised after being hit by a cow on one of the offending ramps.

LRTAV questioned SafeWork SA's handling of the matter, and when it did not receive what it considered to be a satisfactory response to that complaint from SafeWork SA, contacted OmbudsmanSA.

The ombudsmen found SafeWork SA had erred in its initial handling of the complaint by failing to properly consider issuing a Prohibition Notice and then closing the file before the modifications were complete.

It also found SafeWork SA had erred in handling the follow-up complaint from LRTAV, and recommended the agency issue a written apology and review its complaint handling procedures.

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Mr Debenham said this whole situation highlighted that workplace safety authorities did not understand the needs of rural transporters.

"We would certainly like to see a little bit more expertise in our specific area, from those authorities," he said.

"It happens too often, they clearly don't understand what the problem is."

He said more inspections was not the solution, as there was no point increasing inspections if the lack of understanding remained.

"More often than not, more inspections probably become a hindrance," he said. "It's frustrating, I don't know what the answer is - it would be nice if they could be honest with us, and say 'we don't understand what the problems are."

Mr Debenham said it took too long to get resolutions when complaints were made.

"Every time we get some action, it's because someone is hurt or killed," he said.

"Let's figure out a way to fix it, where there could be a potential injury or death, and solve it before it becomes an issue."

The saleyards officially reopened the ramp, with modifications, two weeks ago.

Acting council chief executive officer Jane Fetherstonhaugh said they also took this time to meet with representatives from LRTAV to review OmbudsmanSA's report, the management of the ramp, and other improvements that could be made to the site.

"We've got a few improvements to be put in place and a plan to have these done by mid-October when the busy period starts," she said.

"Safety is paramount, as is ease of use for users. We want to keep (the yards) attractive for people to come and sell sheep and cattle there. It's very important to the local economy."

A SafeWork SA spokesperson said the agency had received a report from the SA Ombudsman in relation to aspects of the operation of the saleyards.

"SafeWork SA is carefully considering the report and recommendations and will respond to each of them soon," they said.