The Coomera wearers were out again in force this month at the Cowra Regional Livestock Selling Centre. Yardings held firm with numbers and prices remained consistent as they have over the past month. The Selling Centre specialises in prime cattle sales every Monday from 12.30pm and prime lamb and sheep sales every Friday at 11am. October 10th was Saleyard Health and Safety Day, hosted by Cowra Shire Council, at the Yards. Physical and mental health checks were available as well as safety information for farmers. The event included staff from Workcover NSW, Rural Financial Counselling and Community Health plus medical students from local Universities. For more information on safety in the yards check out the Australian Saleyard Code of Practise. This is a guide to aid saleyard operators in achieving the required standards for health, safety and welfare for the sale of all classes of livestock within Australia. The top priority in any Saleyard is the health and wellbeing of the people there and the animals and now the days are getting hotter one of the main risk factors is over-heating.
Temperature and shade
Working in hot conditions can cause heat stress, heat rash, heat exhaustion and in extreme cases even heat stroke. Yards should allow for adequate shade for cattle and handlers and plenty of water for stock. Covered yards are more comfortable and stress-free for handlers. The race and crush area are the most important places to cover.
Early signs of heat exhaustion include:
Headache, irritability, thirst, fatigue, nausea, stomach and muscle cramps, shortness of breath, muscle weakness and lack of coordination, cold clammy skin, confusion and a rapid pulse. If you experience any of these get in the shade, rehydrate and if symptoms persist contact a health professional.
Excerpt from “Safe Cattle Handling – A Practical Guide © RIRDC and ACAHS March 2005”
By Rhi Quinn