LIVESTOCK transporters are urging producers to improve their loading facilities to reduce the risk of slipping or crushing injuries.
While the new national ramp standard is not mandatory, producers are being warned that could be the next step if those with sub-standard set-ups fail to take action.
Australian Trucking Association chair David Smith, Tumby Bay, is hopeful the national ramp standards will be a catalyst to get more livestock producers upgrading their sheep and cattle ramps and yards for both worker safety and good animal welfare.
He says many upgrades could be inexpensive, such as installing a sliding gate to prevent stock backing up on a ramp and enclosing the sides of races.
Roma's David Scott, owner operator of Scott's Haulage, has 30 years in the game and says accidents can still happen in the best set-ups in the world but all that is possible to prevent them should be done.
"The minute we drive off a property we have to comply with so many laws," he said. "We actually think this is one of the more important ones but we understand farmers don't want more regulation, so that's why we are pleading with them to get onboard."
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