Health and Safety in Shearing (PDF 917kb) - WorkSafe Victoria

Overview1 What this document is, who it’s forand how to use itThis document provides practical help to everyoneinvolved in shearing and associated areas to find andfix health and safety problems.It provides guidance on how health and safetyproblems can be avoided or minimized by:• changing work areas, work practices, tools,equipment, machinery and amenities• employers, contractors and employeesunderstanding and meeting their legal duties inworkplace health and safety.• cooperation between employers and employeesThis document may also be used as a guide byWorkSafe Victoria Field Officers when assessing howemployers, contractors and employees are meetingtheir legal duties.• The document begins by outlining the legal dutiesof persons involved in shearing and a generalconsultative approach to finding and fixing healthand safety problems in shearing.• It then provides practical guidance on the risks andhazards involved in shearing and advice on how toremove or reduce those hazards and risks.• The last section contains a practical checklist andworksheet to find and fix health and safetyproblems and lists further sources of advice andguidance.2 Health and safety problems inshearingThere can be many health and safety problems inshearing including:• sprains, strains and similar injuries to the back,arms, shoulders, hands, knees and other partsof the body,• cuts and bruising,• injuries due to machinery,• injuries due to slipping, tripping and falling• heat exhaustion and heat stroke,• exposure to vibration, noise, fumes, dusts andchemicals,• injuries and diseases arising from working withanimals,• problems with amenities, travel and accommodationShearing is recognized as a high risk occupation forinjuries and illness and workers compensation claims.WorkSafe Victoria records show:• the main types of claims are falls/trips/slips,hitting/hit by objects, noise, body stressing.• the main types of injuries are fractures,sprain/strains, open wounds, contusion (bruising)or crush, repetitive strain injury (RSI) and digestivesystem• “body stressing”, “hit by moving object”, “openwound”, back and arm claims are proportionallyhigher in shearing than in all other industries• the major “agencies of injury” for shearing claimsare “animal/human factors” and machinery orpowered equipmentThere is also anecdotal evidence that not all injuriesand illnesses are reported.Health & Safety in Shearing 3

4 The legal duties of persons involved inshearing3 The costs and benefits of health andsafety in shearingIn addition to the direct financial costs of injuries(wages, medical treatment and rehabilitation) thereis also often the considerable pain and suffering andthe high personal cost to those injured. Some injuriesare permanent and result in lifelong suffering anddisability.Employers are also personally affected by workplaceinjuries. There are the costs to the industry of losingskilled and valuable workers, effects on workplacerelations, increased operating costs for farms andhigher workers compensation premiums.There is a link between health and safety, productivityand quality. Risks to workers are frequently also risksto the wool clip.Good health and safety avoids or minimizes theseproblems and improves quality and productivity.Many industries also find that good workplace healthand safety is an important factor in attracting andretaining good workers.4.1 Duties of employers and contractorsThe Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 (Vic.)specifies the legal duties of employers and employeesin the area of occupational health and safety. The Actand the duties specified apply to all employers(including farmers, managers, wool growers andshearing contractors) and all employees (includingshearers, shed hands, cooks, woolclassers, experts andwool pressers) involved in shearing and associatedactivities and all workplaces where shearing andassociated activities are carried out.Employers have a general duty of care to provide andmaintain for employees a working environment thatis safe and without risks to health as far as ispracticable.In addition to this general duty employers must:• consult the employee health and safetyrepresentative, where one exists, of a designatedwork group on all proposed changes to theworkplace, the plant or substances used at theworkplace or the conduct of work at the workplacethat may affect the health or safety of any memberof the designated work group• maintain plant and systems of work that are safeand without risks to health• ensure the use, handling, storage and transportof plant and substances are safe and without risksto health• ensure the workplace is in a condition that is safeand without risks to health• provide adequate facilities for the welfare ofemployees• provide such information, instruction, training andsupervision to employees to enable the employeesto perform their work in a manner that is safe andwithout risks to healthThe duties of an employer extend to an independentcontractor and the independent contractor’semployees.Employers are required to keep a register of injuriesor injury report book. See page 18 of the WorkSafeVictoria publication All about WorkCover for Employersfor details.4 Health & Safety in Shearing

4.2 Duties of employeesAn employee must• take reasonable care for his or her own health andsafety and for the health and safety of anyone elseat the workplace• cooperate with his or her employer with respect toany action taken by the employer to ensure healthand safety• not interfere with or misuse anything provided inthe interests of health safety or welfare• not place at risk the health or safety of any personat the workplace.4.3 Health and Safety RepresentativesThe Act provides for a group of employees, adesignated work group, to elect a health and safetyrepresentative if they want to. A shearing team wouldconstitute a designated work group. A duly electedhealth and safety representative is authorized by theAct to undertake a range of actions for the purposes ofhealth and safety including the issuing of provisionalimprovement notices to the employer. Electing ahealth and safety representative is a good way ofensuring effective consultation on health and safetymatters and can be considered part of a ‘best practice’approach.If practicable, an employer shall consult the healthand safety representative of a designated work groupon all proposed changes to the workplace, the plant orsubstances used at the workplace or the conduct ofwork at the workplace that may affect the health orsafety of any member of the designated work group.A health and safety representative may be disqualifiedfor failing to meet their duties as prescribed by theAct.Further information about health and safetyrepresentatives is provided in the publications listedin Section 4.4.4.4 Occupational health and safety regulationsand codes of practiceIn addition to the legal duties under the Act there areRegulations addressing health and safety issues thatemployers and employees must comply with. Theseissues include asbestos, plant users and operators,confined spaces, hazardous substances, incidentnotification, issue resolution, manual handling, noiseand plant.There are also codes of practice that provide guidanceto employers and employees on managing health andsafety issues such as confined spaces, first aid,hazardous substances, manual handling, noise, plantand workplaces.Relevant Regulations and Codes are listed inAppendix 1.For general information about the legal duties ofemployers and employees see the WorkSafe Victoriapublications:• All About WorkCover for Workers• All About WorkCover for Employers• Contractors and WorkCover• Getting started with Workplace Health & Safety– Introduction to Health and Safety Responsibilities,Roles and Functions, Training, Information andRecords4.5 Is it practicable?Employers and employees are required to carry outtheir duties as far as is practicable.To decide what is practicable the following need tobe considered:• the severity of the hazard or risk• what is known about the hazard or risk and howit can be controlled• the availability and suitability of ways to controlthe risk• the cost of controlling the riskIt is important to note that the cost of controlling therisk is only one of the four factors to be consideredwhen deciding what is practicable.Health & Safety in Shearing 5

Finding and fixing health andsafety problems in shearing5 How to find and fix health and safetyproblemsThe rest of this document provides help on finding andfixing health and safety problems.Common shearing health and safety problems are listedand discussed along with ways they can be fixed.A checklist and worksheet in Appendix 2 are providedto help employees, employers and health and safetyrepresentatives.Problems are best addressed by a two step methodwhich can be applied to all areas, jobs, machinery andequipment.Step 1 – Identify hazards and assess risksHazards are the jobs, activities, processes,materials, machines, buildings, equipment etc.in the workplace that have the potential tocause harmAssessing risks is about working out how likelyit is that a hazard will cause harm.Step 2 – Eliminate or reduce risks– risk controlIt is a legal requirement, if practicable, for employersto consult the health and safety representative on allproposed changes to the workplace, the plant orsubstances used at the workplace or the conduct ofwork at the workplace that may affect the health orsafety of any member of the designated work group5.1 Step 1 – Identifying hazards and assessingrisksThere are several methods of hazard identification andrisk assessment.Consulting with the workers doing the job.The workers in the woolshed – contractors,woolclassers, shearers, shed hands, cooks, experts andwool pressers – know a lot about the hazards and risksin a particular shed. These workers can offer theirexperiences of working in a wide range of woolshedtypes and conditions and will be helpful in workingout the best ways of improving health and safety.It is a legal requirement for employers to consult withhealth and safety representatives if practicable.Looking at the work and the work areasUsing the worksheet and checklist provided inAppendix 2 will help with this.Using existing informationAny past health and safety incidents, problems andhazards that have not been addressed need to berecognized. Examining injury registers and first aidbooks is helpful. Have there been injuries orcompensation claims before? What were they and whatcaused them? It is important to look at how often andhow long someone is exposed to a hazard.Discussing possible hazards and risks with neighboursand friends on other properties in the district mightbe helpful. What injuries or incidents have occurredon other properties? How did they occur?This document is a good source of information andadvice about hazards and risks. Other sources ofinformation and advice are listed in Appendix 1.6 Health & Safety in Shearing

5.3 Practicable risk controlsThe legal duty to eliminate or reduce risks and howthis will be done is subject to the test ofpracticability, as discussed in Section 4.5.Risk controls can vary considerably in the cost, timeand effort required to put them in place. Effective riskcontrols can often be implemented quickly withminimum cost and effort.Sometimes it may only be practicable in the shortterm to use interim or temporary controls that relyon training, supervision and changed work practices.Controls based on:• engineering or design changes• the use of safer equipment and machinery• alteration of workplace setup• elimination of a hazardous activity or doing it acompletely different way or at a different locationmay only be possible in the medium or longer term.Medium or longer term controls have to be put inplace if practicable. Interim and temporary controlsare just that.5.4 Planning5.5 Before shearing startsBefore shearing starts it is recommended thatemployers meet with workers to discuss health andsafety and resolve any particular health and safetymatters. Amenities, accommodation and travel(See Section 17) should also be addressed at thistime. Employers can advise workers of existing healthand safety procedures and measures and workers canraise any health and safety concerns they have.Agreement can be reached on how particular healthand safety matters will be dealt with as they arisee.g. shearing wet sheep.If necessary the Issue Resolution Regulations (1999)prescribe a procedure for the effective resolution atworkplaces of health and safety issues as they arise,where there is no agreed procedure for resolution.Workers unfamiliar with health and safety measuresshould be properly briefed before shearing starts toensure they don’t put themselves or others in the shedat risk. This includes knowing where all emergencystop and cut off/cut out buttons and controls are onthe shearing board, in the wool room, grinding areaand anywhere else in the shed.Finding and fixing health and safety problems will bemore effective if properly planned.Having a plan that includes what needs to be done,by when, by whom and how ensures all matters areaddressed. Adequate records help and the worksheetin Appendix 2 can be used for this.Measures to improve health and safety are often not‘set and forget’ and may require checking, maintenanceor follow up e.g. risk controls need to checked to seeif they’re working, regular consultation with healthand safety representatives and other workers in theshed to see if agreed matters are in hand.8 Health & Safety in Shearing

Hazards, risks and risk controls6 The shearing shed6.1 Access to and movement around the shedHazard or riskSafe access to and movement around theshed are essential. There may be risks ofinjuries from trips, slips, falls, collisions etc.These may be caused by obstacles, trippinghazards, presses, other machinery, workingshearers, changes in floor levels.Getting on and off raised boards andentering and leaving elevated shedswithout steps places high stress onthe knees.Risk controlThe layout of the shed should allow adequate spaceso that collisions with other workers, machinery andplant are avoided. Machinery and plant should belocated away from entrances and exits and otherhigh traffic areas. Placement of signs or otherwarning devices restricting access to some areasmay be necessary.Steps should be provided for access to elevatedsheds or raised boards as required, and they shouldbe properly designed for their purpose. They shouldbe sound, have wide treads and have a non-slipsurface. Where the height is over one meter theyshould be fitted with an adequate handrail.Safe access to the shed.Top rail can be removed to allow loading of bales.Health & Safety in Shearing 9

6.2 Sheep pens and gatesHazard or riskSometimes sheep pens, races and gatesexpose the penner-up to risks of injuriesfrom trips, slips and falls.There may also be sharp edges, protrusionsand splinters, exposing the penner to a riskof receiving cuts and embedded objects inthe skin.Risk controlGate hinges, catches, railings and stops shouldbe well maintained and in good working order.Pen gates should be able to swing in and out.Penners-up should be adequately trained in their work.All parts and components used should be free ofsharp edges, protrusions and splinters. Pens andgates should be inspected for protrusions and sharpedges before each shearing and repaired as required.When designing, building or modifying sheep pensand gates it is recommended that as well as usingany published information available, the designeror builder should seek the views of experiencedpenners-up. They have often penned millions ofsheep in hundreds of different pen and gatesystems and have useful information to offer.Further information may be found in Design ofShearing Sheds and Sheep Yards by A Barber andB Freeman and the Ballarat Shearing Shed DesignNotes listed in Appendix 3.Penning up.10 Health & Safety in Shearing

6.3 Catching pens, gateways and doorsHazard or riskThe physical size of the pens may result inexcessive lifting and dragging if too large, orrestrict movement if it is too small. Shared pensneed to be bigger and therefore the shearer mustdrag the sheep further.Protrusions in the pen, particularly on or nearthe gate, can result in punctures, cuts and bruising.Battens that run across the catching pen allowsheep to gain a foothold, restricting the ease oftipping and dragging and increasing the risk ofback injury to workers.Additionally, rotten or loose battens can result insprains, fractures and wounds from exposed nails.Risk controlWhen constructing new sheds or altering the shedlayout, catching pen dimensions should provide thebest tradeoff between pen-ups and distance of drag.The catching pen dimensions providing the besttradeoff between the minimum number of pen-upsper run and minimum distance to drag the sheepshould be about 2.5 x 2.5 metres, which would holdabout 20–25 fully grown sheep. Typically, moreenergy is spent on catching and moving the sheepfrom the catching pen to the stand than on shearingthe sheep. (See the Ballarat Shearing Shed DesignNotes in Appendix 3)The inside of pens and gates should be examinedfor protrusions before shearing and repairs madeif necessary.Battens should run towards the catching pen gate,enabling the shearer to tip the sheep’s back towardsthe gate more easily, reducing twisting and thedistance it needs to be dragged and reducingfriction during dragging.Before shearing, all battens should be inspected andany loose and/or rotten battens repaired. Generallyall battens must be in sound condition and securelyfixed. Light coming up from under the floor shouldbe blocked out if it is causing problems duringpenning. (See the Ballarat Shearing Shed DesignNotes in Appendix 3)These battens in the catching pen are parallel to thedirection of drag and are in good condition.Note there is no light coming up through the boards.Dragging places strain on the back, arms and legs.Health & Safety in Shearing 11

The mesh floor of this pen makesthe sheep difficult to drag.6.3 Catching pens, gateways and doors (continued)Hazard or riskThe size, weight and action of the catching pendoors can create risks. Low doors can strike theshearer in the lower back region when pushedbackward by a sheep. Heavy doors can also injurethe back when they strike the shearer as they dragthe sheep from the pen. Gates that are hard toopen may also increase fatigue and back strainwhile dragging.Latching gates open can allow sheep to escapefrom the catching pen onto the board, resultingin collisions, falls from raised boards and lossof handpiece control.Obstructions or steps between the board andcatching pen increase the risk of trips and fallsand back injury when dragging sheep to thedowntube.If the floor is wet and dirty there is a risk ofinjuries from slips, trips and falls.Risk controlThe top edge of the pen door should not be able tostrike the shearer in the lower back. To minimize theimpact of the pen gate on the shearer the catchresistance and inertia of pen gates should beminimized. Broad padding should be fixed on theinside of gates at the height of the lower back. Doorsshould he made from lightweight material, smoothon both sides and with no protrusions, and the forcerequired to open the gates should be minimized.Pen doors should self closing and allowed to closeafter catching each sheep.There should be no step nor obstruction(e.g. board fixed to the floor across gateway)between the catching pen and the board.The catching pen gate should swing both waysto allow uninterrupted access for the shearer.Double (batwing) gates are most suitable foracross-the-board sheds and provide easy accessfor the shearer, minimal obstruction to thepickers-up on the board and offer equal accessibilityto left-handed shearers. Single gates may be moreappropriate for same-side catch and let-go designs.Keep the floor as clean as possible. Although it isunderstood that in some cases a dirty floor isunavoidable, measures can be taken forimprovements, such as not leaving sheep in thecatching pens overnight.12 Health & Safety in Shearing

6.3 Catching pens, gateways and doors (continued)Hazard or riskStrain on the shearer’s back results from poorlylocated and oriented catching pens and gates.If a shearer is required to turn and twist eachsheep through more than 90° as he or she dragsit from the pen to the shearing position, the riskof injury, short and long-term, increases.Fatigue and its associated problems also increase.Provision for left-handed shearers needsparticular attention here.Risk controlThe shearer should be able to walk backwards fromthe catching pen gate to the downtube withoutneeding to twist or turn more than 90°. That is,the shearer or crutcher, having caught the sheep inthe catching pen, should be able to walk backwards,carrying or dragging the sheep from the catching pengateway (e.g. position 12 o’clock) to the shearingstarting position beside the downtube, facing3 o’clock or 9 o’clock depending on whether theshearer is right- or left-handed and whether theboard design is across the board or open board.The best design is where the shearer walks backwardsto the shearing position through a smaller angle.A very good example can be seen in some new shedswhere the catching pen and gate directly face thestand. That is, the gate is at an angle to the wallrather than parallel with it.The distance from the back of the catching pen tothe downtube should be kept to a minimum.The distance from the centre of the catching pengate to 305 mm (1 ft) in front of the downtube(when hanging perpendicular) should be no morethan 3050 mm (10 ft).A gradual floor slope in the catching pen toward thedowntube will making tipping and dragging easier.Remove any obstructions between pen gates anddowntube.Provide one or two stands in each shed for lefthandedshearers. One left-handed stand for everyfour-right handed stands may be a suitable ratio.*Shared pens can also lead to problems betweenshearers due to real or imagined snobbing taking place;that is, one shearer leaving his or her pen mate morethan their share of snobs. When constructing new shedsor renovating existing ones it is recommended that acatching pen for each shearer is provided.Further information may be found in Design ofShearing Sheds and Sheep Yards by A Barber andB Freeman and the Ballarat Shearing Shed DesignNotes listed in Appendix 3.See also Section 8 for related hazards, risks andrisk controls.Health & Safety in Shearing 13

In this pen thebattens are parallelto the direction ofdrag, in goodcondition, thebattens slope downto the board andthere is no lightcoming throughfrom below.This pen door on araised board swingsboth ways, is madeof light ply and hasa smooth finish.6.4 Shearing boardHazard or riskThe floor of the shearing board is an extremelyhigh use area. It may become worn and grooved,increasing resistance to drag when handling sheep.Slippery boards increase the effort required byshearers to hold the sheep and maintain stabilityand increase the risk of back injury. Protruding nailsand movement in floor boards increase strain on theshearer and the risk of catching.Hard floor surfaces increase the risk of combbreakage and injury from handpiece lockup.Insufficient floor space increases the risk ofcollisions and interference with other shearers.Risk controlThe floor needs to be kept in good condition – evenand level. Protruding nails should be countersunkbefore shearing commences and loose and slipperyboards should be repaired or replaced.Softwood is the most common floor material usedand is ideal for the job, provided it is in goodcondition. Combs are also less likely to be damagedif dropped on softwood boards.Ensure sufficient floor space for all workers toperform their tasks safely and properly. The shearermust be able to work without encroaching on thenext shearer’s workspace or route in and out of thecatching pen. Sufficient workspace is required forthe end stand, particularly when it is used by aleft-handed shearer. Left-handed shearers shouldbe able to face the rest of the shearers.Board space, the measured distance betweendowntubes, needs to be sufficient to accommodatethe size of the sheep. The common board space of5 ft (1525 mm) may be insufficient due to increasesin the size and weight of sheep. A minimumdimension of 2000 mm is recommended for newand renovated sheds to provide a safer workstation.Greater distances may be required due to factorssuch as shed layout and sheep size.14 Health & Safety in Shearing

This raised shearing board has good distance between stands, overhead fans, a good depth, raised edge to help prevent slipsand falls, a soft timber floor, a tool and equipment storage shelf for each stand and good back harness suspension points.The overhead lights and windows provide good light. The windows face south to reduce heat. Although not shown there arealso ceiling vents above the windows to reduce heat and a solid set of steps up onto the board.6.4 Shearing board (continued)Hazard or riskAbsence of a suitable fixing point above the boardfor a shearers back harness prevents use of theharness.Risk controlA secure fixing point, which is free to swivel andtherefore remain above the harness throughoutshearing, should be provided. It should be clear ofthe overhead shaft and within reach when standingon the floor. The harness and its mounting must beclear of any electrical wiring, leads or installation.This shearing board is in goodcondition. Back harnesses are in useand are suspended from good fixingpoints that are well clear of overheadobstructions and machinery. The areais well lit and the light coloured wallsand ceiling improve the light.Health & Safety in Shearing 15

The pen doors are a good design for across the board doors. The white walls improve the light.The board caters for left hand shearers.This board caters for left handed shearers.Back harness. Note the drink container next to the clock,the floor fan just behind the second shearer and thetowels hanging well away from the shearing plant.16 Health & Safety in Shearing

6.5 Let-go areaHazard or riskObstructions to the smooth exit of sheep followingshearing or crutching place significant strain on theshearer, and increase the risk of back injury.Let-go chutes/doorways in areas that funnelprevailing cold winds can increase muscle fatigue.Risk controlThe sheep should have an unobstructed exit from theshearing board that requires the least effort from theshearers. Where chutes are used their entrance shouldbe extended onto the floor of the shearing board bysome 100–150 mm, with the front edge 100 mmlower than the floor, for easy release of sheep.Ensure that barriers such as wooden strips at theopening of let-go chutes/doorways are removed.To prevent wool going into the let go area flexibleplastic strips or strips of bristles can be fixedat the opening. These save the wool but don’tobstruct the movement of the sheep.The chute/doorway should be located directly infront of the sheep at the completion of shearing.Ensure that chutes/doorways are large enough toallow for easy handling of large-framed sheep.Ensure that dogs are kept away from exit pointson let-go areas to reduce baulking of sheep.If modifying or designing the let-go area considerplacement of chutes/doorways in positions thatlimit drafts and glare.Placement of clear plastic strips at the mouthof chutes will reduce the wind blowing through.The wooden strip at the opening of the let go chute obstructsthe exit of the sheep. It can be replaced with a flexibleplastic strip or a strip of bristles to save wool.This let go chute has no obstruction at the opening.Health & Safety in Shearing 17

6.6 Wool and press rooms – hazards and risksHazard or riskContinual bending and reaching to pick up fleecesoff boards increases the risk of back strain.Insufficient space in the wool room may causecollision with other workers and contact with shedmachinery, and difficulty in safely and properlythrowing, skirting, rolling, classing and storingthe wool.An increased workload on the shed hand increasesrisks of sprain and strain injuries.Risk controlRaised shearing boards reduce back strain whenpicking up.The minimum clear space around the shearing boardend and working sides of the wool table shouldbe 1 m, with a minimum of 2 m between anymachine and the wool table.A minimum of one metre around the wool pressmust be kept clear to allow safe operation.Ensure there are no obstacles between the boardand wool table.It is recommended that a ratio of one shed hand(excluding the presser) for each 200–250 fleecesshorn per day be employed rather than a shed handto shearer ratio. The workload in the wool room isa result of the number of fleeces being shorn notthe number of shearers removing the fleeces.“A woolclasser shall not perform wool rolling inaddition to wool classing in a shed where more than900 fleeces per day are shorn.”(Woolclassers Award 1999, Clause 4.2.2 (b))This good sized wool table has good clearance around it.The posture and movement here place strain on the back, shoulders and arms.18 Health & Safety in Shearing

6.6 Wool and press rooms – hazards and risks (continued)A good sized wool table.Hazard or riskSmall wool tables that are not designed for thesize of current fleeces or are the wrong height cancause back strain.Uneven floor surfaces increase the risk of trips,slips and falls.Risk controlA well designed and constructed wool table isessential for safe work with reduced risk of strainand injury. The height of the tables appropriate tothe user is essential in avoiding back pain. The tableheight should be adjustable. This could be achievedon folding leg tables by provision for adjusting thelegs to various angles in relation to the table top.Non-rotating rectangular (1.6 x 3.3 m) wool tableswith rounded corners appear to be the most efficientdesign for two or more wool rollers. Where there isonly one wool roller a rotating round table may bemore efficient. Contoured-height tables sloping downtowards the throwing (shearing board) end mayfacilitate easier and more accurate throwing.Ensure wool tables are large enough toaccommodate fleeces.The floor needs to be kept in good condition.Protruding nails should be countersunk and uneven,loose and slippery boards should be repaired orreplaced.Health & Safety in Shearing 19

Throwing.There is good circulationspace around the table.6.6 Wool and press rooms – hazards and risks (continued)Hazard or riskHard (e.g. concrete) floors cause strain andjarring on feet and legs.Sharp edges and protrusions used to support woolpacks or on wool bins pose a risk of cuts andpuncture wounds, e.g. spikes protruding from woolbutt suspension frames. They may also obstructthe removal of wool by the presser.Wool bins, particularly where they are used forskirtings, bellies or locks, that aren’t oriented andlocated in the correct way will obstruct access bythe wool rollers and classer.Moving and shifting bales by hand carries a riskof serious injury.Risk controlIf there is a concrete floor, some impact absorbingmaterial is required considering the amount andspeed of movement required of wool rollers.Any such material would need to be able to keptfree of wool by sweeping and should be washable.Sharp items such as nails and spikes, e.g. spikesprotruding from wool butt suspension frames orsimilar, should be covered or removed.Wool bins, particularly where they are used forskirtings, bellies or locks, should be oriented andlocated in such a way as to provide easy access forthe wool rollers and classer.Moving and shifting bales using bale hooks andtrolleys and getting help to move the bales willdecrease the risk of injury. If a bale trolley is usedthe floor must be level and of sufficient strength tosupport the wheels of the trolley. The routes betweenwool bins and press should be kept short and mustbe clear of obstructions.Wool bale weights and dimensions are specified bythe Code of Practice for the AWEX Quality System.As per the Code of Practice for the AWEX QualitySystem “… to avoid contamination. all woolpreparation and handling areas within the shearingshed must be smoke free work areas”.Power leads for movable wool presses must be suspended or similar to ensure there is no risk of the wheelscutting or damaging the leads.20 Health & Safety in Shearing

Skirting and rolling. This is a good sized table and at a good height.Classing.Good table height.SummaryGood shed design and layout and all related aspectsare critical to good health, safety and welfare in theindustry. The quality of shed design and constructionis directly related to health and safety hazardsand risks.Improvement in the health and safety aspects of sheddesign can significantly reduce the costs of injury andincrease productivity and the quality of the clip.Consultation by employers with health and safetyrepresentatives, where they exist, on health and safetyis a legal requirement while consultation with theworkers doing the work is best practice.Health & Safety in Shearing 21

7 Machinery7.1 Overhead gear and shearing plantHazard or riskContact with overhead drive shafts, either directlyor by contact with clothing, towels or fleeces,can result in serious injuries.Portable stands that are inadequately securedand incorrectly fitted can result in injuries.Absent or inadequate signage of emergencystop controls on machinery (including overheadshaft type shearing machinery) may result inconfusion and delays in the event of an emergency.The team may be unfamiliar with the shed andthe location of emergency stops.Risk controlProhibit the hanging of towels and clothes nearoverhead gear and provide towel hooks or rails nearthe stand.Ensure the drive shaft is high enough to avoidphysical contact with raised arms or that adequateguards are in place to minimize the risk of clothing,towels or fleece becoming entangled in the shaft.Ensure portable stands are safely fitted and secure.Existing emergency stop controls should beprominently signposted and a waterproofed chartpositioned at the entrance to the shed. The teamneeds to be alerted to the purpose, operation andlocation of all controls. Controls should be easily,safely and quickly accessible.Positioning of power points for individual electricpower plants between 1 and 1.5 m above floor levelis recommended to bring them within reach of theshearer.Where shearing machinery is of the overhead shafttype an emergency stop mechanism should be fitted.Where an emergency stop mechanism is to be fittedto a new or existing shed it should be in a standardlocation, e.g. between the wool table and the neareststand. The emergency stop should be easily, safelyand quickly accessible from the wool room andshearing board in an emergency.The red button is an emergency stop on a raised board.A similar button below the board enables anyone below theboard to stop the shearing plant as well. The pen door swingsboth ways but the metal frame and door material makes thedoor too heavy and increases the risk of injury.22 Health & Safety in Shearing

7.1 Overhead gear and shearing plant (continue)Hazard or riskDowntubes too close together increases the riskof shearers colliding and losing control of thehandpiece. Locked or loose handpieces may hitother shearers.Incorrect downtube positioning and inadequaterange of movement restrict the workspace ofshearers.Downtubes in poor condition or not properlymaintained are unsafe. Incorrect spring tensioncan cause wrist and arm strain; worn downtubes,cogs or handpiece back joints cause vibration andoverheating problems.The absence of joint guards on downtubesincreases the risk of lockup.Risk controlThe minimum distance between stands needs to bereviewed because of the increased size and weight ofsheep. (See Section 6.4). Downtube positioning andrange of movement should be taken into account whendesigning shearing sheds or altering existing ones.Gear should be positioned so that the downtube is152–178 mm to the left (for right-handed shearers)of the chute. Posts supporting the main plank towhich the overhead gear or shearing plant(s) isattached should be placed midway between thestands.The downtube height should be positioned so thatthe lower end of the short tube describes a circle of275 mm in diameter on the floor, with the long tubeperpendicular and 600 mm away from the wall orany obstruction.Ensure that the downtube parts are in good conditionand correctly installed. The spring at the top of thedowntube should be in good condition and not wornor weak. The downtube should be free of excessivevibration. Spring tension must be checked beforeshearing.Joint guards must be fitted to all joints.Handpieces become jammed on such things as burrs, Properly adjusted safety clutches and worm drivesmetallic ear tags, fencing wire and wool in the in good condition should be fitted to all shearingbackjointback joint cogs. Safety clutches that are machines. Safety clutches are a spring-loaded driveinpoor condition, have been incorrectly adjusted, breaking (motion disengagement) mechanism locatedremoved or not been fitted may not protect a shearer in the short gut. If the driven parts of the handpiecefrom injury if the handpiece becomes jammed. become jammed, the clutch (if in good repair andPresent safety clutches are reported as problematic properly adjusted) will disengage and isolate thebecause they tend to wear out quickly after slipping drive from the handpiece so long as the handpiecethe first time. After that they tend to slip unreliably is held firmly.and unpredictably. Some shearers overtighten safety Standard specifications for such drives are necessaryclutches to avoid clutch slippage in dense wool. to ensure the integrity of this safety mechanism.Employers and shearers should check that compatiblecomponents are used.Both the employer and employee should check thecondition and adjustment of the safety clutch beforeshearing. The tension setting of the safety clutchshould provide a torque not greater than 2–9 Nm(a load setting of 26 in/lb). A tension wrench thatfits the safety clutch should be available at everyshearing shed during shearing.Health & Safety in Shearing 23

7.1 Overhead gear and shearing plant (continue)Hazard or riskShort gut bayonet joints become worn, causing thesafety clutch to jam when it comes into contactwith the short tube.Poor location of on–off rope causes twisting of theback and stretching when used and makes efficientuse difficult in an emergency (e.g. a shearer losingcontrol of a struggling sheep).Risk controlIt is recommended that the bayonet joint at thedrive end of the short gut be eliminated. Thebayonet joints can be replaced with “Johnno” joints,i.e. a short gut that screws directly into the drive cog.The rope, and therefore the start–stop mechanismon the overhead gear, should be positioned so thatthe shearer, whether left- or right-handed, can reachit without overreaching, twisting or being obstructedby the downtube or any other object. The downtubeshould not interfere with or obstruct the shearer’saccess. The rope should be made of heavy cord strongenough to hang straight down and not be flicked outof reach by the slightest knock. The rope should hangfrom the machine down to the long tube elbow joint.One solution is to attach the free end of the rope toa piece of 25 mm heavy duty PVC pipe. This pipeis slipped over the long downtube. This allows theshearer to pull the PVC tube or rope to stop thehandpiece. The shearer never has to find the ropebecause, irrespective of his position on the shearingboard, the rope is always in easy reach and in thesame position. Do not attach the rope to the pipewith a bale fastener.(Source: WorkSafe WA,http://www.safetyline.wa.gov.au/pagebin/solnmanh0002.htm)Before shearing starts, it is important to ensure thatall machinery including overhead gear, downtube andsafety clutch are checked and working effectively.All electric leads and cables should be in goodcondition and be routed to ensure there is no riskof them being cut or damaged.It is recommended that manufacturers consider thefactors in the table in this section during design ofshearing machines. They have a legal duty to do so.Purchasers of shearing machines should not purchaseunsafe machinery.24 Health & Safety in Shearing

7.2 HandpiecesHazard or riskRisk controlA worn out, poorly adjusted or maintainedThe handpiece must be in the best possible conditionhandpiece will vibrate, heat up, cut poorly and put and kept in good working order and worn partsmore physical strain on the shearer, particularly replaced. Where the shearer is paid to supply andtheir hands and arms.* Effects include increased maintain his or her own handpiece the shearer isfatigue and injuries such as sprains and strains, also responsible for keeping it in good order.cuts, “squeaky wrist” from vibration and burns Ensure that a correctly operating safety clutchfrom overheated handpieces. is fitted. (See Section 7.1)Consider new technology when replacing handpieces.* Hand, arm and shoulder injuries account for about half of all shearing compensation claims.7.3 GrindersHazard or riskCombs, cutters or sparks may strike the operator,particularly on the face. Foreign objects propelledfrom the grinder may lodge in the operator’s eye.Rotating discs can fly off the grinder.Exposure to high noise levels in the vicinity ofthe grinder can result in permanent hearing loss.Dust levels near the grinder may also be high.Risk controlSafety glasses that allow good vision must beprovided, used and maintained in good condition.Guards must be provided and maintained.The grinder should be mounted so that the directionof the disc rotation is away from busy work areassuch as the shearing board and wool room, andflammable materials including wool packs.Operators should check that discs are properlysecured before each startup by attempting tosimultaneously rotate discs in opposite directions.Discs, nuts and washers should be compatible withthe grinder.It is also important to check that discs are rotatingin the correct direction. This depends on themanufacturers’ recommendations. Usually there isan arrow on the grinder bearing housing.Except for the one or two persons actively andimmediately using the grinder, no one should bewithin two meters of the grinder.Earmuffs must be provided, used and maintained ingood condition. Dust extractors may be necessaryin some sheds.Health & Safety in Shearing 25

7.3 Grinders (continued)Hazard or riskThe poor location of grinders and their use byuntrained operators increase the risk of accidentand injury.Risk of electrical leads and cables being cut ordamaged; leads and cables being tripping hazards.Risk controlThe grinder must be in a secure, properly lit,enclosed space and securely anchored in position.Unsecured grinders with power leads should notbe permitted in the shed.All grinding work should be done by a properlyskilled and trained person. This includes not onlyall grinding but all repairs and maintenance such aschanging emery cloths. Alternatively, the employermay change the emery cloths.Electrical leads and cables need to be properlyrouted to eliminate any risk of them being cut ordamaged or being tripping hazards.This grinder is in a secure, properly lit space and wellanchored. Protective glasses are being used as per the signbehind the grinder. The grinder is guarded. Note the fireextinguisher.This grinder is isolated in a well lit area and sits behinda perspex partition. The disks are guarded, safety glassesare on the table and the sign at the right directs they mustbe used.26 Health & Safety in Shearing

7.4 Wool pressesHazard or riskThe design of some wool presses makes it possiblefor body parts to become entrapped.Injuries from hydraulic hoses that have burst underpressure can result in serious burns or penetrationinjuries from hydraulic fluid.Presses are sometimes operated by untrained andunskilled persons.A safety stop mechanism to avoid entrapment isnot present.There is no failsafe mechanism if the platen supportsystem fails while the platen is in the top position.Electrical hazardsRisk controlThe clearance between the front of the platen andthe side of the bale holding frame should be atleast 100 mm.Ensure that wool presses are fitted with a functioninginterlocking door mechanism which stops the pressif the doors are not fully closed or a trip bar oremergency stop is fitted.Hydraulic lines should be inspected beforeoperation and worn lines should be replaced.Anyone using a press must be properly trained andskilled in its use.Powered wool presses should have a safety stopmechanism. A readily accessible trip bar should stopoperation of the press if the bar is “tripped” by anoperator or bystander. A stop button or bar that canbe operated by the knee enables the operator to stopthe press without using hands or arms.A failsafe system must be provided to prevent theplaten from falling when it is in the top position.Electrical leads and cables need to be properlysecured and clear of any moving parts such as theram, monkey, doors and wheels.Check wool presses for protrusions and sharp edgesbefore operation and repair if necessary.Ensure the press is located so that it there is nointerference between the operation of the press andother work being carried out nearby.This well used press has had anemergency stop button fitted that canbe operated by hand or by the knee.The electrical cabling is kept safely outof the way by suspending it from above.Health & Safety in Shearing 27

7.5 Shearers’ tools and equipment storageHazard or riskLoose tools and equipment on the board pose aslipping/tripping hazard. Damage to tools andequipment may occur, which can affect theirsubsequent use and operation.Risk controlProvide adequate storage space for shearers’ toolsand equipment near the work area. The storage areashould not be located above the let-go chute.It is recommended that a storage shelf not less than300 x 600mm with a raised edge be providedadjacent to every downtube.Where the shearer is paid to supply and maintainhis or her own handpiece the shearer is alsoresponsible for keeping it in good order.7.6 Unguarded machinery – Hazards, risks and risk controlsSpecific guarding hazards have been addressed insections 7.1–7.5. As a general guide, all moving partsof machinery and equipment used in the shed thatcould expose workers to the risk of injury (belts,flywheels, cranking points, drive shafts, pulleys etc.)must be adequately guarded.Machinery and equipment that is not adequatelyguarded must not be used until proper guards havebeen installed. Guards must be used to cover beltswhere they may come in contact with workers.28 Health & Safety in Shearing

7.7 NoiseAs a guide, if it is difficult to have a normalconversation at about a distance of one meter in anoisy workplace then there may be a noise problem.To properly assess the risks it is necessary to measurethe noise and the exposure of workers to the noise inaccordance with the Victorian Noise Regulations 1992.This will identify the real noise problems and ensurethat any noise control undertaken will be worthwhileand effective. Maximum permissible exposure is asound level of 85 dBA for eight hours per day orequivalent.Hazard or riskRisk controlExposure to high noise levels over time causes When choosing new equipment or machinery considerpermanent and untreatable hearing loss. High noise the noise it produces and find out if less noisylevels sufficient to damage hearing may be produced equipment is available. Sometimes mufflers or similarby shearing machinery (particularly the long and add-ons such as noise covers that reduce noiseshort guts in the ferrule as well as the drive cogs), are available.wool presses, grinders, engines, motors, hydraulic Sometimes noisy equipment can be located awaypumps and radio/cassette/CD players.from the main work areas to minimize the numberof workers who will be exposed to it.Proper maintenance and repair of machinery andequipment, particularly overhead gear, will usuallyreduce noise levels.Limit the use and volume of radio, CD and cassetteplayers if they produce too much noise. (Using thesedevices with earphones or earpieces is notrecommended in noisy environments because theyisolate the worker and prevent him/her from hearingwarning signals and prevent communication withother people in the shed.)Use of proper earmuffs and earplugs will reduce noiseexposure but it may be difficult to use them becauseof hygiene and discomfort problems. They can alsointerfere with the work or cause communicationproblems with workers who already have a hearingproblem. If muffs or plugs are used, warning signsmust be erected, training in their use must beprovided and regular hearing tests must be arrangedby the employer for exposed workersundertaken.It is better to try and reduce noise levels firstbefore using earmuffs or earplugs as a risk control.Corrugated iron walls found in many shearing shedsreflect noise and increase overall noise levels inthe shed.Keep noise levels in mind when choosing buildingmaterials for new sheds. Consider installing propersound insulation in existing sheds.Health & Safety in Shearing 29

7.8 Electrical safetyIn addition to particular comments on electrical safetyin other parts of this document it is essential thatelectrical installations in the shearing shed andshearers quarters and any electrical installation,modification or maintenance comply with relevantcurrent Victorian Regulations and Australian Standards.Electrical cabling is kept outof the work area by suspendingit above. A guard rail around theedge of the board, a raised edgeand edge marking help preventslips and falls.The electric cable tothe press is kept outof the way bysuspending it above.30 Health & Safety in Shearing

8 Work in the shearing shedOther relevant hazards, risks and risk control measureshave already been addressed in previous sections.8.1 PenningHazard or riskDue to the nature of penning up, the major risksof injury include slips, trips and falls due to eithercontact with sheep or pen barriers, butting bysheep, crushing of fingers, cuts from protrudingor sharp objects and dog bites.Risk controlRedesign pens and gates to promote stock flow,reducing the requirement to “push” sheep into thefilling pen.Repair or remove protrusions and sharp objectsin the pens before use.Battens normally run cross ways to stop light comingthrough but can make penning up difficult. In thecatching pens this may have to be considereddepending on the height of the catching pen aboveground level. Where possible eliminate upcominglight through floor battens.Further information may be found in Shear senseby the Kondinin Group and the Ballarat ShearingShed Design Notes listed in Appendix 1.Health & Safety in Shearing 31

8.2 Shearing and crutchingHazard or riskBack, shoulder, arm and hand injuries can happenduring animal handling.Cuts from contact with handpieces.Shearers can fall from raised boards after being“kicked” out of position while shearing.Lockup occurs when the handpiece becomesjammed.A sheep may become out of control and the shedhand is powerless to assist the shearer becausethey cannot reach the on/off rope or assist incontrolling the sheep.Increases in body and fleece weight have addedto the overall effort required to maneuver sheepduring crutching and shearing. This trend for breedenhancement increases the risk of back injuries andother musculoskeletal disorders in the industry.In some older style sheds the design is inadequateto handle the increased size of stock therebyincreasing the effort required to process sheep.Wet sheep and wet wool increase the risk ofinfections and other adverse health effects.Risk controlUse of suspension back harnesses. These decreasethe load on the shearers’ back and spine and reducemuscle strain. There must be a sufficiently strongadequate suspension point in good repair locatedproperly above the board and the harness must beclear of overhead obstructions. See also Section 6.4Consider handpiece design and modifications, anduse more effective and safer handpieces as theybecome available (see Section 7.2).To prevent falls from raised boards have a safetyrail around the board, edge marking or other suitablerisk controls.Have cutoff switches that shed hands can get toon the face of the board on each stand.Before shearing mobs of rams, negotiations betweenthe owner/manager and contractor/shearing teammembers can take place to determine a method forshearing that allows adequate support to beavailable to shearers in the event of a ram strugglingfree or becoming free on the board. The extra supportperson(s) can then be used to disengage machinesin the event of an emergency and/or assist withholding or re-catching stock.Modify the shed to handle the increased size ofsheep e.g. enlarging let-go chutes, changing thebatten orientation in the catching pen.Where possible minimize the number of wet sheepto be shorn and delay shearing wet sheep.General risk controls• To make the sheep easier to handle it isimportant to empty out sheep prior toshearing and crutching.• Have sheep propulsion devices in stock races.• Clean boards with an air compressor.32 Health & Safety in Shearing

There is now available a range of handling equipmentfor shearing and crutching including rotating cradlesystems, raised race systems, conveyor systems, trailersystems for shearing and crutching and shearingtables. This equipment has been developed to improveproductivity, quality and health and safety and shouldbe considered when developing longer term riskcontrols. Further information can be found in thepublication Ergonomics of Sheep Handling Equipmentfor Shearing and Crutching (WorkSafe NSW, February1999).9 Employees’ contribution to identifyinghazards, assessing risks and eliminating orreducing risksHazard identification, risk assessment and risk control• A set up where all workers can participate in theidentification of hazards should be in place.– Procedures to enable workers to relay findingsto the owner/manager, possibly through thecontractor, will decrease the risk to all workersin the shed when action is taken to control theidentified hazards. Workers should reporthazards to health and safety to their health andsafety representative and their supervisor or theowner/manager.– All injuries and symptoms (e.g. symptoms ofheat stress) should be immediately attended toand reported to the health and safetyrepresentative and employer.– All accidents, incidents and near missesshould be reported to the health and safetyrepresentative and employer whether an injuryresults or not.• Employees must cooperate with all risk controlmeasures implemented in the workplace.• The physical demands of shearing and shed workrequire that workers have a reasonable level offitness. The primary responsibility to ensure fitnessis with the employee.• Exercises for shearers and other good advice aboutlooking after yourself can be found in ‘AustralianRules’ of Shearing – An Exercise Guide For Shearers’.• Clothing – The clothing worn should be appropriatefor the job and include suitable footwear whichcovers the whole foot.• Hygiene – Good personal hygiene by all workers inthe shed environment will reduce the risk ofinfection from cuts and grazes. This includesensuring hands and forearms are washed prior to“smokos” and meals.• Smoking – Smoking in the shed poses not only along-term risk to the health of all workers but cantrigger episodes of asthma in some workers. Theprincipal control measure is to not allow smokingin the shed and meal break areas. This also reducesthe risk of clip contamination. As per the Code ofPractice for the AWEX Quality System “… to avoidcontamination. all wool preparation and handlingareas within the shearing shed must be smoke freework areas”.• Drinking – Dehydration as a result of sweating canlead to serious heat effects including heat strokewhich can be life threatening. It is also common tobecome dehydrated without any obvious signs suchas extreme thirst. When working in heat it isnecessary to drink regularly even if you aren’tfeeling thirsty.• Workers should drink at least one cup (250 ml) ofwater or juice before, during (if practical) and atthe conclusion of each run. Overall fluid intake inhot conditions should be at least one cup of wateror juice for every 20 minutes. An adequate andreadily available supply of clean and cool watershould be available to all workers throughout theday in the shed.• Coffee, cola drinks or tea should be avoided asthey increase dehydration. Excessive alcoholconsumption away from work increases thelikelihood of dehydration and increases the needfor rehydration at work.• Warming up/down – Given the physical nature ofwork in the woolshed, it is necessary that adequatewarm up and warm down by workers at the startand conclusion of each “run” be completed,particularly in cold conditions. These exercises willassist in limiting the extent of back injury in theindustry.• Bare feet are unacceptable in the shearing shed.Adequate footwear must be worn by everyone inthe shed. Shearing footwear improves grip andstability, decrease risks of slipping and falling,decreases fatigue and protects the feet.Health & Safety in Shearing 33

10 Work in heat and cold10.1 Risks and hazardsShearing requires very hard physical and skilled workfrom all members of the shearing team. The work isoften done in extremely hot conditions in uninsulatedshearing sheds made of corrugated iron. In winter,cold wind can blast into the small of the shearer’sback.Hot or cold working conditions can have significantimpacts on the health and safety of all shed workers.In particular, working in heat can cause significanthealth and safety problems due to heat stress. Theseinclude heat rash, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.The kitchen area in shearers’ quarters can also be avery hot work area and needs to be assessed.Heat exhaustion can cause irritability, tiredness andfatigue, fainting, inattention, increased risk of errorsand accidents, and muscular cramps. In cases of heatstroke, sweating stops, body core temperatureincreases, the skin will be hot and dry and theaffected worker may become confused or loseconsciousness.Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition and needsto be treated immediately.10.2 Risk controls – heatImproving the design of new sheds and improving theventilation, insulation and shade of existing shedswould benefit the employer and safeguard theemployee.Factors such as the path of the sun in the sky, theprevailing winds and local climate should be takeninto account when siting, planning and constructingnew sheds. Temperature control mechanisms in newwoolshed structures should also be considered.Shed modifications to reduce heat stress include:• roof insulation• changing the colour and finish of the exterior ofthe shed to better reflect radiant heat from the sun• installation of vents at or near the ridge of the roofand on the roof, to increase ventilation and airmovement and reduce the oppressive smell ofanimal urine• addition of windows that open and close adjacentto work areas and on opposite sides of the shedto increase flow through ventilation• blinds and external features such as eaves orawnings that block direct sunlight on the workareas in summer but will allow sunlight into theshed in winter when the sun is lower• ceiling or portable fans; where portable fans areused power points, leads and cables need to beproperly placed and located to avoid electrical andtripping hazards• shade trees and windbreaks close to the shearingshed and sheep yards to reduce heat from sunlightand reduce cold draughts• sprinkler system on the shed roofWork practices to reduce heat stress include:• an agreed and understood overall plan for howworking in heat will be managed in the shed• allowing for acclimatisation to heat by workers;until acclimatised the pace of work, rest breaksand working hours may need to be altered• changing working hours to avoid working duringthe hottest part of the day• decreasing the workload in very hot conditions– balance and pace work throughout the day• ensuring that all work breaks are taken andallowing extra breaks if necessary• ensuring an adequate and easily accessible supplyof clean and cool water for all workers throughoutthe day• ensuring everyone in the shed understands therisks of working in heat, the signs and symptomsthat indicate heat exhaustion and heat stroke andthe importance of drinking even when not thirsty• encouraging part time shearers or those re-enteringafter a period away from the work to exercise careand only undertake a suitable amount of workuntil they are fully fit• where possible sheep should be kept out of thesun prior to shearingFor further information refer to Section 9 and theWorkSafe Victoria publication Working in Heat.34 Health & Safety in Shearing

Risk controls – coldShed modifications to reduce cold problems include:• orientation of let-go doorways away from prevailingcold winds to reduce shearers’ back pain• plastic strips such as those used in cool roomdoorways, or removable flap doors across lettinggo doorways to reduce cold windWork practices to reduce cold problems include:• warming up and warming down at the start andfinish of work• wearing suitable clothing that stays warm whenwet with perspiration• using a few layers of light warm clothing insteadof one bulky jacket or similar – this allows easyadjustment of clothing as the temperature changesduring the day11 Vapours, fumes and gases in the shearing shedHazard or riskFumes, smoke, exhaust gases and particulatesproduced by petrol and diesel motors in the shedare a health hazard.Ammonia from stock urine has an unpleasantpungent odour and is an irritant gas.Risk controlUse electrically driven equipment where possible.Locate motors outside the shed and run thehydraulic lines into the wool press. This eliminatesthe fumes from the shed and removes a major sourceof noise from the workplace at the same time.If a motor cannot be located outside the shed:• modify the exhaust so that the exhaust gasesand fumes are vented to the outside of the shed• ensure that exhaust gases and fumes cannotblow back into the shed• ensure that all seals on the motor and exhaustsystem are working effectively and not leaking• keep the motor in good repair and wellmaintained• ensure good ventilation in the shed.Ventilation may deteriorate as wool rooms fill upwith bales – extra ventilation may be required inthis case (see Section 10.1).Limit ammonia fumes by regularly cleaning outmanure from under the shed. Ensure there isadequate drainage and keep the area as cleanand dry as possible.Health & Safety in Shearing 35

12 DustsHazard or riskDusts in the yard and shed can initiate asthmaattacks and other respiratory illnesses in susceptibleindividuals. In addition, the risk of contractingQ Fever for all people in and around the shed isincreased.Risk controlSpray yards with water to settle dust beforeyarding sheep.In raised sheds, restrict sheep from camping underthe shed to reduce the level of airborne dust.As much as is possible, thoroughly clean the shedbefore and during shearing.13 Chemicals and hazardous substancesThe 1999 Victorian Hazardous Substances Regulationsspecify employers’ duties with regard to hazardoussubstances which include:• the assessment and control of risks,• consultation with health and safety representativesand• the provision of information, instruction andtraining to employeesThe 2000 Victorian Hazardous Substances Code ofPractice provides practical guidance on meeting theseduties.Agricultural and veterinary chemicals are alsoregulated and controlled by the Commonwealth AGVETScheme. The relationship between the VictorianHazardous Substances Regulations and theCommonwealth AGVET Scheme is explained inAppendix 6 of the 2000 Victorian Hazardous SubstancesCode of Practice.The following provides only a brief overview ofhazardous substances. The Regulations, Code ofPractice, other supporting documents and other sourceslisted in Appendix 2 must be referred to for properinformation and guidance.13.1 Chemicals/hazardous substances– Hazards and risksMany chemicals used in wool growing are hazardoussubstances as defined by the 1999 Victorian HazardousSubstances Regulations. Exposure to hazardoussubstances can have serious and permanent effectson health that can also sometimes be life threatening.It is important to remember that shearers are in directcontact with sheep for eight hours a day.Hazardous substances include:• pesticides used in internal and external parasitecontrol,• chemicals used for blowfly and lice control,• footrot control chemicals,• herbicides/insecticides used in cropping andpasture management,• solvents,• rodenticidesExposure to these substances can occur during directapplication and use or from exposure to residues inwool during crutching and shearing. They can enterthe body by absorption through broken or unbrokenskin, by inhaling and by ingestion.36 Health & Safety in Shearing

13.2 Chemicals/hazardous substances– Risk controlsElimination:• All unwanted/out of date/banned hazardoussubstances should be removed from the wool shedand disposed of in accordance with currentguidelines.• Hazardous substances, protective equipment andclothing should be stored away from the wool shedand in accordance with current guidelines. In somecases they can be stored in sheds if proper safetyprocedures are followed.Substitute a hazardous substances for a less hazardoushazardous or non-hazardous substance:• Pest control should always consider the range ofoptions to reduce pest burden including IntegratedPest Management and the use of less toxicchemicals to complete a given task.Engineering Control:• Design and locate jetting systems to ensure thatspray does not drift into the shed.Working Procedures:• All hazardous substances are used in accordancewith directions on container labels, Material SafetyData Sheets (MSDS) and other sources of guidance.MSDS’s are available from the supplier andmanufacturer.• Undertake blowfly treatment outside of the shed.All employees who handle/use pesticides shouldhave completed adequate training in chemicalusage e.g. Farm Care Course, Farm Chemical UsersCourse. See the Victorian Hazardous SubstancesCode (No. 24, June 2000) for further information.• Only individuals undertaking the work should bein the area where hazardous substances are beingused.• After careful consideration it may be preferable toemploy skilled contractors with safer equipment.• Application of any chemicals to sheep should takeinto account the withholding/reentry period asdetailed on the MSDS for the chemical. Ensure thatwithholding regimes following ectoparasitetreatment are complied with so that workers arenot exposed to residues in wool. No worker shouldhandle stock before the end of thewithholding/reentry period.• The casual application of chemical for blow flystrike directly from the tin (e.g. using, say, KFMBlowfly Dressing) and onto the sheep inside theshearing shed should not be allowed under anycircumstance. The process should be done outsidethe shed by someone who has been trained in theuse of such chemicals. Just reading instructions onthe manufacturers’ label is not to be viewed as asubstitute for proper training.• Processes such as backlining or provision offootbath (where formaldehyde may be present)must not be done in a casual manner by untrainedpeople.• All members of the shearing team can and shouldask for relevant information if necessary.• The shearing shed should be free from residuesfrom chemicals which may have been stored in it inthe off season. Treated grain or seed stored in theshed may leave residues in the shed.• Ensure all necessary safety equipment is availableto workers and in good operating condition.• Proper information (including access to MSDS anddetails of recent applications of chemicals to stockand withholding/reentry periods), training andinstruction must be provided to all employeesworking with or otherwise exposed to hazardoussubstances.• There should be no chemical work done in theshed.Health & Safety in Shearing 37

14 Diseases from animals (Zoonoses)Zoonoses are diseases transmitted to humans fromanimals as a result of working with animals or animalproducts. They can lead to various degrees ofdisability. In the majority of cases the infection islimited to the affected individual, with person-topersontransmission rare. The diseases are oftenexpressed only in humans where symptoms becomeevident, whereas the animal may remain symptom freeor only mildly sick, for example Q Fever.Hazard or riskWorkers in shearing sheds are most at risk ofcontracting Q Fever, hydatid infection, orf (scabbymouth), skin infections known as yolk boils andwool sorters’ disease/wool lung.Cuts, scratches and grazes as a result of crutchingand shearing activities are susceptible to infection.Sources of infection may include sheep urine andmanure, maggots and lice.Risk controlImmunise against Q Fever.Sheep with an active outbreak of orf must not beshorn or crutched until their condition is resolved.Remove infected animals.Do not handle infected animals without propersafeguards.Exhaust ventilation, temperature control andrespiratory protection equipment for some situationsneed to be considered.Do not handle infected animals without propersafeguards.Provide and maintain good sanitary amenities andpromote good hygiene practices such as:• clean working conditions• adequate and readily accessible hand, face andarm washing facilities• adequate supplies of clean water and soap• disinfectant for use in the wash up water ofcombs and cutters• good personal hygiene practices, especiallybefore eating and drinking breaks and smoking• immediate and effective treatment of all cuts,nicks, grazes, burns etc.• daily washing of clothesUse protective equipment including hand, arm,foot and leg protection.38 Health & Safety in Shearing

15 Lighting and seeing in the shearingshed – hazards and risks• Poor lighting can create risks:– risk of injuries from slips, trips, falls andcollisions from not being able to seeobstructions, tripping hazards and parts ofequipment and machinery,– risk of cuts and other injuries by shearers andother workers due to not being able to see thejob properly when doing fine or precision work.• Good lighting is important for anyone new to aparticular shed who doesn’t know its layout andset up properly.• Poor lighting can also cause eyestrain which caneffect vision and lead to errors and mistakes.• Poor lighting does not just mean not enoughlighting. Sometimes there can be too much lightor glare or other problems such as flickering lightsor poor placement of lights.• Lighting can vary from shed to shed. In a particularshed it can change with the time of day, theweather and the seasons.• Risks may also arise from someone with pooreyesight working in the shed. Anyone with pooreyesight in the shed needs to ensure they have anduse the right glasses for the job so they don’t putthemselves or anyone else at risk.Providing the right amount of light to do the jobproperly and safely can be achieved by:• having enough lighting in the shed to ensure goodlighting in all areas and at all times of the day andyear. The Australian Standard for lighting in woolsheds specifies a minimum light level of 400 luxfor work areas such as boards, wool rooms and thewool pressing area – 400 lux is about that foundin a well lit kitchen;• it’s generally better if lighting in each individualwork areas is controlled separately rather thanhaving a setup where all the lights in the shed areeither on or off;• provide blinds or other means to control theamount of glare from windows and skylights;• painting the inside walls and roof/ceiling shedwhite or a light colour increases the light levelin the shed permanently;• replace blown or flickering lights and clean bulbsor tubes regularly;• woolclassers and wool rollers need indirect butconsistently good light at the work level.Recommended minimum light levels for fine andprecision work such as wool classing are 600 lux;• more lighting than the general lighting in theshed is usually necessary for fine or precise worke.g. 400 lux at the grinders – an adjustable planettype lamp installed next to the grinder is effective.This will enable better sharpening of combs andcutters which means better cutting, improvedproductivity and less physical stress on the shearerand the sheep;• when coming into a dark area from outside on asunny day the eyes need time to adjust – entrancesshould be kept well clear of obstructions andobstacles to eliminate trips and collisions.Where extra or portable lighting is used power points,leads and cables need to be properly placed andlocated to avoid electrical and tripping hazardsMeasured light levels in shearing, wool rolling,experting, wool classing and wool press areas in shedhave been found to be as low as 200 lux or less.(lux is the measure of light falling on an area)The Australian Standard for lighting in wool shedsspecifies a minimum level of 400 lux for work areassuch as boards and wool rooms – 400 lux is aboutthat found in a well lit kitchen Recommended levelsfor fine and precision work such as woolclassing arestill being investigated but generally a higher levelis required. Anyone with poor eyesight in the shedneeds to ensure they have and use the right glassesfor the job so they don’t put themselves or anyoneelse at risk.Health & Safety in Shearing 39

16 First aidArrangements for First Aid in the shed and shearers’quarters need to comply with the Victorian Code ofPractice – First Aid in the Workplace (No 18, 1995).‘First aid in the workplace’ is defined as the provisionof emergency treatment and life support for peoplesuffering injury or illness at work.First aid kitsEmployers should supply and maintain an appropriatelystocked first aid kit for shearing teams. The first aidkit should include an instruction and advice book. TheFirst Aid Code provides guidance on suitable contentsof a first aid kit. For shearing it is recommended thatin addition to the basic kit as outlined in the Codethe kit includes the kit includes eye, burn and remotelocation modules as described in the Code.It is recommended that prior to the start of shearingthe employer or their representative and a representativeof the employees (preferably an H&S representative orsomeone appropriately trained) check that the first aidkit is adequately stocked and complies with the Code.First aid kits must be located within the shed andshearers’ quarters and positioned so that they arevisible and easily and safely accessible by everyone inthe shed and quarters. Where it is necessary to travelbetween the shed and shearers’ quarters by vehicleeach day a smaller and more portable first aid kitshould also be kept in the vehicle.A well stocked andclearly labelled first aidkit in a shed.40 Health & Safety in Shearing

First aid trainingIt is recommended that employers and employeesensure that in every shearing shed and at shearers’quarters there is at least one adequately trained firstaider. The Code provides guidance on adequatetraining.Everyone in the shed and in shearers’ quarters mustknow and understand arrangements for first aidincluding:• the location of first aid kits,• who is trained in first aid• what to do when first aid is required• what to do when it is necessary to call anambulance or transport an injured person to ahospital or medical centre.The above advice can be passed on to workers duringthe briefing referred to in Section 5.5 Before shearingstarts.Institutions which train wool classers and shearingshed overseers should be encouraged to includeappropriate first aid training as part of theircurriculum.In view of the high incidence of back injuries in theshearing industry, preventative measures such asappropriate exercise and postures must be usefullyincluded in any shearing industry first aid course,and shearers and shed hand training courses.Sheds and shearers’ quarters in remote locationsThe distance of the workplace from ambulance,hospital and medical centres or occupational healthservices is important.The time taken for medical aid to reach the casualty ismore significant than distance. For sheds and shearers’quarters in remote locations additional first aidfacilities and services should be provided. Where poorroads and adverse weather conditions may apply,facilities for aerial evacuation of injured or ill peopleshould be considered. Efficient communicationssystems should be available for ensuring optimumresponse times.Flesh needlesThere may be a risk of transmitting disease throughthe current practice of sharing flesh needles. Eitherthe practice should stop or a container of effectivedisinfectant should be placed on the shearing boardand the needle and attached thread thoroughlywashed before and after use. Disinfectant placed in allcomb and cutter wash up water is recommended as ameans of reducing infection of minor cuts on shearers’hands. It may also help reduce cross infection ofconditions such as ‘cheesy gland” between sheep.SummaryThe above are minimum recommendations and shouldbe implemented before the commencement of shearingat each shed.The responsibility for adequate first aid arrangementsin the shed and shearers’ quarters rests with the ownerand/or manager.Health & Safety in Shearing 41

17 Accommodation, amenities andtravelThe 1985 Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Actrepealed the whole of the 1976 Victorian ShearersAccommodation Act.In workplaces where accommodation and amenities areprovided by the employer for employees, as is the casewith shearers’ quarters on a property and amenitiesat the shearing shed, the amenities provided areregarded under the OH&S Act as part of the workplace.In this situation the general duty of care of theemployer to provide and maintain for employees aworking environment that is safe and without risks tohealth extends to the accommodation and amenitiesprovided and to travel between the quarters and theshearing shed.17.1 GeneralThe following applies to all accomodation, sleeping, mess, eating, kitchen, bathroom, toilet and laundry areas.Hazard or riskBuildingsWalkways, corridors, passages,building surrounds, steps,stairways. Employees unfamiliarwith layout, especially at night.FireElectrical safetyInsect screeningRisk controlBuildings will be in sound structural condition, habitable, adequatelyventilated and able to cope with temperature extremes.These areas need to be kept free of obstructions and tripping and fallinghazards and kept in good condition. Steps should be in good order withall weather non-slip treads and adequate handrails. These areas will haveadequate lighting at night. Safe entry and exit from buildings is essential.Fireplaces and heaters need to be properly constructed and guarded.Fireplaces and heaters will not be used for drying clothes. Adequatesmoke detectors, fire alarms, extinguishers and emergency exitprocedures and signs need to be in place as necessary.All electrical installations and any electrical modification or maintenancewill comply with relevant current Victorian Regulations and AustralianStandards. Where power is available in sleeping quarters two poweroutlets per person are recommended and appliances such as shaversshould be able to be used safely. Wiring and power leads will be safelyrouted to eliminate tripping and electrical hazards.Doors, windows, chimneys and other openings should be effectivelyscreened against insects.42 Health & Safety in Shearing

17.1 General (continued)The following applies to all accomodation, sleeping, mess, eating, kitchen, bathroom, toilet and laundry areas.Hazard or riskAsbestosCleaningDrinking waterRisk controlAny asbestos hazards arising from asbestos containing products usedin buildings will be addressed in accordance with the Victorian 1992Asbestos Regulations. Asbestos products which are deteriorated, brokenor flaking are an unacceptable risk.Regular and proper cleaning, maintenance and where necessary,disinfecting of all areas to ensure good health and hygiene. Thisparticularly applies in eating, cooking, laundry, bathroom, washing andtoilet areas. Employees have a responsibility to practice good hygiene andhelp keep areas clean. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure areasare properly cleaned. Arrangements for cleaning and maintaining hygieneshould be worked out and agreed upon before shearing starts.Adequate, cool and clean drinking water will be readily availableat all times. See also Section 10.2. Drinking water will be free fromcontamination, for example if water is collected from the shearing shedroof contamination from dust containing chemical residues may bepresent.17.2 Eating and mess areasAdequate seating and tables for all employees will beprovided in mess and eating areas. Adequate seatingwith back support helps reduce stress on the back.There should be adequate ventilation and lightingin mess and eating areas, where heat is frequentlyexperienced during shearing fans or air conditioningshould be considered.There should be a separate and suitable eating areain or adjacent to the shearing shed for health andhygiene reasons. Hand washing facilities are neededat all shearing sheds including an adequate supply ofclean water and soap.Health & Safety in Shearing 43

AppendicesAppendix 1 – Further information, adviceand guidanceOrganisationsAustralian Centre for Agricultural Health and SafetyUniversity of Sydney, Victoria Terrace,(PO Box 256), Moree NSW 2400Phone: (02) 6752 8210, Fax: (02) 6752 6639The Australian Workers Union685 Spencer Street, West Melbourne Vic 3003Phone: (03) 9329 8733, Fax: (03) 9329 2871E-mail: awu@alphalink.com.auWeb site: www.awu.net.auThe Shearing Contractors Association of AustraliaMr Frank Sutherland, Vice President,14 Camira Street, East Malvern Vic 3148Phone: 9568 3458, Mobile: 0428 542 298Victorian Farmers FederationFarrer House, Level 5,24 – 28 Collins Street, Melbourne Vic 3000Phone: (03) 9207 5555, Fax: (03) 9207 5500E-mail: vff@vff.org.au, Web site: www.vff.org.auWoolclasser’s Association of AustraliaFederal Office, Box 1855 Ballarat Mail Centre Vic 3354Phone: (03) 5333 4011, Fax: (03) 5333 4012E-mail: woolclasserassoc@netconnect.com.auVictorian Farm Safety Training CentreBallarat, Phone: (03) 5334 3512.The Centre runs ‘Managing Farm Safety’ training courses.Other:Local veterinarian, local doctors, Department of NaturalResources and Environment or stock and station agent maybe good sources of information for animal related problems.WorkSafe Victoria – Regional Offices24 Doveton Street North, (PO Box 609), Ballarat Vic. 3350Phone: 5331 8388, Fax: 5331 8415104 Queens Street, (PO Box 1100), Bendigo Vic 3550Phone: 5443 8866, Fax: 5441 3997Level 3, 33 Princes Highway, Dandenong Vic 3175Phone: 8792 9000, Fax: 8792 9011Level 5, 30 – 38 Little Malop Street,(PO Box 1143), Geelong Vic 3220Phone: 5226 1200, Fax: 5221 7861World Trade Centre, Cnr Flinders & Spencer StreetsSiddley House, Level 1, (PO Box 414), Melbourne Vic 3005Phone: 9628 8115, Fax: 9628 8199112 Orange Avenue, Mildura Vic 3500Phone: 5021 4001, Fax: 5021 4047372 Wellington Road, (PO Box 71), Mulgrave Vic 3170Phone: 9565 9444, Fax: 9565 94004 Bruce Street, Preston Vic 3072Phone: 9485 4555, Fax: 9485 4501148 – 150 Welsford Street,(PO Box 358), Shepparton Vic 3632Phone: 5831 8260, Fax: 5831 1508Suites 1 & 2, Ground Floor, 6 – 8 Grey Street,(PO Box 1688), Traralgon Vic 3844Phone: 5174 8900, Fax: 5174 908624 Reid Street, (PO Box 714), Wangaratta Vic 3677Phone: 5721 8588, Fax: 5721 2740104 Kepler Street, Warrnambool Vic 3280Phone: 5562 5600, Fax: 5562 9625WorkSafe Victoria – Head Office222 Exhibition Street, Level 24,(GPO Box 4306), Melbourne Vic 3000Phone: 96411555, Fax: 9641 1222E-mail: shearing@workcover.vic.gov.auWeb site: www.workcover.vic.gov.auHealth & Safety in Shearing 45

PublicationsWorkSafe Victoria publications can be obtained fromWorkSafe Victoria Offices or by emailingpublications@WorkSafe.vic.gov.au.Relevant Victorian Occupational Health and SafetyRegulations• Asbestos Regulations 1992• Certification of Plant Users and Operators– Regulations 1994• Hazardous Substances Regulations 1999• Incident Notification Regulations 1997• Issue Resolution Regulations 1999• Manual Handling Regulations 1999• Noise Regulations 1992• Plant Regulations 1995Relevant Victorian Occupational Health and SafetyCodes of practice• First Aid in the Workplace (No. 18, 1995)• Hazardous Substances (No. 24, June 2000)• Manual Handling (No. 25, 2000)• Noise (No. 17, 1992)• Plant (No. 19, 1995)• Plant (Amendment No 1) (No. 23, 1998)• Workplaces (No. 3, 1988)WorkSafe Victoria publications• All About WorkCover for Workers• All About WorkCover for Employers• Contractors and WorkCover• Getting Started with Workplace Health and Safety– Introduction to Health and SafetyResponsibilities, Roles and Functions, Training,Information and Records• Getting Started with Workplace Health and Safety– An Introduction to Hazard Management,Workplace Inspections and Selecting a Health andSafety Consultant• Getting Started with Workplace Health and Safety– Introduction to Workplace Consultation• Getting Started with Workplace Health and Safety– Introduction to Workplace Health and SafetyPolicies, Procedures and Evaluation• Working in heat• A Farm Safety Checklist – Electricity• A Farm Safety Checklist – Harmful Chemicals• A Farm Safety Checklist – Livestock Handling• A Farm Safety Checklist – Manual Handling• Farm Safety• Farm Safety – what are you doing about it?• Farming Fact Sheet – Pastoral Industry• The Sheep Shearing Project (1995)WorkSafe Victoria Alerts and Guidance Notes• Electricity can kill Oct 2000 Provides advice toemployers on safety precautions to be taken toensure the safe use of electrical tools andequipment.• Shearing Equipment Sept 1998• Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment & RiskControl in the Workplace October 2000 Provideguidance to employers in relation to hazardidentification, risk assessment and risk controlin the workplace.• Employee Health and Safety Training October 2000Provides guidance to employers for trainingemployees in health and safety.• Consulting with Employees on Health and SafetyOctober 2000 Provides guidance to employers inrelation to consultation with employees on healthand safety.• General approach for safeguarding of machinesSeptember 2000 Provides general guidance to assistemployers in safeguarding of machines for use intheir workplaces.• Plant maintenance September 2000 Providesgeneral guidance to assist employers in relationto maintenance of plant (including machinery,equipment, appliances, tools and implements)in their workplaces.46 Health & Safety in Shearing

Other publications and sources• Animal handling – Australian Agricultural HealthUnit 1997• ‘Australian Rules Of Shearing – An Exercise GuideFor Shearers – Victorian Dept of Human Services,Grampians Region 1997.• Design of Shearing Sheds and Sheep Yards byA Barber and B Freeman (Inkata Press, Melbourne)• Ergonomics and manual handling on farms– Australian Agricultural Health Unit 1997• Ergonomics of sheep handling equipment forshearing and crutching – WorkSafe (NSW) 1999.3 booklets• The Ergonomics of Sheep Shearing – Reducing backinjuries and energy expenditure in sheep shearingthrough the development of practical modificationsto shed layout – Final Report October 1998Warren Payne, Haisam Askari, Steve Cowley, JohnCulvenor, Robert Freeman, Rod Hall, Jack Harvey,Michael Lawrance, Keith McElroy, John Pryor, DavidStuart & Robyn Williams.(University of Ballarat Shearing Research Team)University of Ballarat, PO Box 663 Ballarat 3353.Tel: (03) 5327 9000Research Funded by:National Occupational Health and Safety Commission• Managing sheep and wool production safety:Safety checklist – Farmsafe Australia 1997• National Code of Practice for the Shearing Industry(Health, Safety and Welfare Standards) – AustralianWorkers’ Union, 1997• Pastoral Industry Award, 1986, Fed. 49(updated April, 1990).• ‘Shear sense’ by Kondinin Group 1988ISBN 0-9591145-8-0• Victorian Farmers Federation Health and SafetyBulletinsNos 1 & 2 The farmer’s guide to OccupationalSafety and Health Legislation Parts 1 & 2No 4 Farm chemical safetyNo 5 How to reduce manual handling injuries:The hazardNo 6 PPE – A risk management approach – Protectyourself with personal protective equipment• Woolclassers’ Award• Woolshed safety – Guidance notes for the sheepand wool industries – Farmsafe Australia 1997• WorkSafe Australia, Occupational Health andSafety Performance Overviews Selected Industries.Issue No. 9 – Agriculture and Services toAgriculture Industries, 1996.Health & Safety in Shearing 47

Appendix 2 – Checklists/WorksheetsShearing Health and Safety – ‘Walk Through’ Assessment ChecklistArea assessed :........................................................................................ Date: ..............................Employer/management/contractor representative(s): ..............................................................................Employee health and safety representative(s): ......................................................................................This checklist can be used on a ‘walk through’ of work areas to identify and assess health and safety problems.This should be done before shearing starts and during shearing as necessary. Once completed please refer to theRisk Control Worksheet. Employee health and safety representatives must be consulted on identification,assessment and risk control.ItemNo.Employer and employee duties and responsibilities1 Employers and contractors understand and carry out their duties as specified in the 1985 VictorianOccupational Health and Safety Act: consult with employee health and safety representatives ofdesignated workgroups; safe plant and systems of work; workplace and amenities safe and withoutrisks to health; adequate facilities for the welfare of employees; appropriate information,instruction, training and supervision of employees. Page 4– 82 Workplace health and safety is properly addressed, planned for and implemented in consultationwith employee health and safety representatives before shearing starts and while it is in progress.Page 4– 83 Employees understand and carry out their duties as specified in the 1985 Victorian OccupationalHealth and Safety Act: take reasonable care for themselves and others; Co-operate with employeron health and safety; not interfere or misuse any health and safety measures; don’t placethemselves or others at risk. Page 4– 8, 33Shearing shed4 Access to the shed – condition of steps for elevated sheds. Page 95 Movement around the shed – layout, obstructions, collisions, location of plant and machinery,areas signed where necessary. Page 96 Getting on and off raised boards – adequate steps. Page 97 Sheep pens and gates – hinges catches railings and stops in good order, gates swing both ways,penners-up trained, area free of sharp edges, protrusions, splinters. Page 108 Catching pens, gateways and doors – layout, dimensions/distances, orientation, protrusions,orientation and condition of battens, pen doors, obstructions between board and the catchingpen. Page 11–139 Shearing board – floor condition, soft floor surface, enough space/distance between downtubes,adequate fixing point for shearers’ back harness. Page 14–1610 Let-go area – unobstructed exit for sheep, location and size of chute/doorway, no dogs. Page 1711 Wool and press rooms – enough space to work and move around, enough workers, wool tables(size, height, slope, round corners), floor even and in good condition, matting on hard floor,no protruding nails/spikes from wool butt suspension frames, wool bins location and orientation,safe handling of bales, routes between wool bins and presses, power leads properly located.Page 18–21Satisfactory?Yes No48 Health & Safety in Shearing

ItemNo.Machinery12 Before shearing starts – All machinery checked and working effectively.13 Overhead gear and shearing plant – adequate guards in place; no towels etc hanging off plant;portable stands safely fitted and secure; emergency stop controls fitted, signposted and easilyreached; shearing team understand purpose, location and operation of emergency controls;downtubes well spaced and positioned; left handers catered for; downtube parts in good conditionand correctly installed and maintained; joint guards fitted to all joints; safety clutches andworm drives fitted and in good condition. Page 22–2414 On-off rope – easily reached without twisting and obstruction; made of heavy cord; position.Page 2415 Electric leads and cables –in good condition and safely routed and positioned. Page 26, 3016 Grinders – adequate safety glasses provided and used; guards fitted and in good condition;grinder securely mounted and properly oriented; discs well secured; correct disc rotation direction;no loitering near the grinding area; earmuffs provided and used; grinder in a secure well lit area;operator properly skilled and trained; all electrical cables and leads properly routed and located.Page 25–2617 Wool presses – interlocking door mechanism/emergency stop or trip bar fitted; hydraulic linesin good condition; operator is trained and skilled; failsafe system to prevent platen from fallingwhen in the top position; all electrical cables and leads properly routed and located; sufficientspace around the press and no interference with other work being done nearby; free of sharpedges and protrusions. Page 2718 Shearers tools and equipment – adequate and well located area for tools and equipment,handpiece in the best possible condition and working order. Page 25, 2819 General guarding - all moving parts of machinery and equipment used in the shed that couldexpose workers to the risk of injury (belts, flywheels, cranking points, drive shafts, pulleys etc.)are adequately guarded before use. Page 2820 Noise – high noise levels assessed if necessary; high noise levels reduced if practicable;adequate hearing protection provided and used and signs erected. Page 2921 Electrical – All electrical installations in the shearing shed and shearers’ quarters and anyelectrical installation, modification or maintenance comply with relevant current VictorianRegulations and Australian Standards. Page 30Work in the shearing shed22 Penning – pens and gates promote stock flow; protrusions, sharp objects etc removed from pens;no light coming up through battens. Page 3123 Shearing – safety rail/edge marking/raised edge around raised boards; easily accessible cut offswitches; arrangements in place for safe shearing of rams; pens, board and let go area suitablefor size of sheep; where possible minimise number of wet sheep shorn; empty out sheep priorto shearing. Page 3224 Working in heat -Shed modifications to reduce heat; fans in use; agreed plan for working in heat;acclimatisation catered for when required; workload, work hours, and work breaks arranged tominimise effects of heat as necessary; plenty of cool drinking water easily available to everyone;everyone understands heat exhaustion and heat stress symptoms and how to avoid and treat them.Page 34Satisfactory?Yes NoHealth & Safety in Shearing 49

ItemNo.Satisfactory?Yes NoWork in the shearing shed (continued)25 Working in cold – Cold draughts and winds minimised; suitable clothing. Page 3526 Vapours fumes, gases and dusts – no exhausts from engines and motors should flow into workareas; ammonia fumes from animal manure and urine minimised; dust in the yard and shedminimised. Page 35, 3627 Chemicals and hazardous substances – handling, working with and storage of chemicals andhazardous substances done in accordance with the Victorian Hazardous Substances Regulationsand Code of Practice and the Commonwealth AGVET Scheme; blowfly treatment done away fromthe shed and following safety procedures; information on chemical and hazardous substancesavailable to everyone in the shed; no chemical work done in the shed. Page 36, 3728 Diseases from animals – Q fever immunisation recommended; no shearing or crutching of sheepwith orf; infected animals removed and handled with proper safeguards; good hygiene amenitiesprovided and good hygiene practices followed. Page 3829 Lighting and seeing – Adequate lighting in all work areas; blinds etc fitted on windows;all light fittings in good order; sufficient lighting for classing, grinding and other fine work;anyone with poor eyesight has and uses the right glasses. Page 3930 First aid – properly stocked and maintained first aid kits in the shed, shearers’ quarters andvehicles used for travel between the shed and quarters; at least one adequately trained first aiderin the shed and quarters; effective arrangements in place for first aid, calling an ambulance andtransporting anyone injured; everyone knows and understands the arrangements; hygienic use offlesh needles. Page 40, 4131 Register of injuries or injury report book is kept and maintained. Page 432 Amenities at the shearing shed – adequate toilets, washing facilities and eating areas.Page 42– 4433 Shearers’ quarters – quarters are safe and without risks to health; clean and habitableaccommodation and facilities; safe entry to and exit from buildings; adequate lighting; electricalsafety; employees able to perform their usual washing and cleaning tasks including launderingclothes; adequate outflows and drains; adequate hot and cold water; sufficient facilities to copewith the number of employees; insect screens; sufficient space; adequate seating; adequateventilation; buildings in sound structural condition and free of hazards such as asbestos,adequate fire safety provisions; separate sleeping quarters for men and women; kitchens thatallow the safe and healthy preparation, serving and storage of food including adequaterefrigeration and hot water. Page 42– 4434 Travel – Travel between the shed and quarters is safe and without risks to health. Page 4435 Footwear – no bare feet, adequate footwear worn by everyone, use of shearing footwear. Page 3336 Employee contributions to health and safety: contribute to risk identification, assessmentand control; report all injuries, symptoms, hazards and incidents; maintain physical fitness;correct clothing; proper hygiene; only smoking in permitted areas; adequate drinking. Page 33When the walk through is finished any items assessed as unsatisfactory can be addressed using theRisk Control Worksheet on the next page.50 Health & Safety in Shearing

Shearing Health and Safety – Risk Control WorksheetActions required to fix any unsatisfactory areas can be determined using the guidance in Health and Safetyin Shearing and recorded on this Worksheet. The Item No. below is the number in the left hand column of the‘Walk Through’ Assessment Checklist .Employer/management/contractor representative(s): ...............................................................................Employee health and safety representative(s): .......................................................................................Date: .........................................ItemDate Person DateAction requiredNo. due responsible completedHealth & Safety in Shearing 51

Appendix 3 Shearing Shed Design NotesThe following Design Notes were produced by theUniversity of Ballarat Shearing Research Team basedon research funded by the National OccupationalHealth & Safety Commission and detailed in“The Ergonomics of Sheep Shearing” (see page 47).52 Health & Safety in Shearing

Number oneCatching pen floorsTraditional designThe traditional design of catching pen floors is a horizontal wooden batten floor.The battens are often oriented perpendicular to the direction of the drag (across thepen) but sometimes parallel to the drag (toward the door).Shearers say that sheep can be more difficult to tip when the battens run across thepen as the sheep can obtain a better grip. In addition dragging the sheep was said tobe more difficult when the battens are across the pen. Although not yet widespreadsome people believe that a slope in the catching pen would be useful.What is the best floor?In a laboratory, several experienced shearers dragged sheep over floors of variousslopes and materials. The dragging forces and coefficients of friction were calculated.The trials included two slopes and five materials.ResultsThe chart shows that thebest floor has only 55% ofthe friction of the worst floor.Adding a slope to the floormakes the job about 10%easier again.Combining a slope and thebest surface means that ashearer will drag 6 kg lessper sheep or about 1200 kgless per day thereforedecreasing the risk of injury.Recommended floorThe best floor tested consisted of:1. Wooden battens running toward the door.2. Slope toward the door of 1:10.WorkSafe Victoria gratefully acknowledgesVIOSH AustraliaUniversity of BallaratPO Box 663Ballarat 3353Tel: 03 5327 9150100%80%60%40%20%0%55%Wood(Parallel)65% 67%Wood(Perpendicular)Plastic(Parallel)74%Plastic(Perpendicular)Friction when dragging sheep100% = worst floor (steel mesh)100%SteelMeshShearing Shed Design NoteHealth & Safety in Shearing 53

Shearing Shed Design NoteNumber twoDrag pathsTraditional designThe drag path refers to the path shearers must travel with the sheep from the catchingpen to the shearing position next to the downtube. Shearers say that these paths differwith respect to the ease of getting the sheep to the shearing position.Which path is best?The sketch shows five drag paths.Two-centre-board paths (1 and 5).Three across-the-board paths (2, 3 and 4).Experienced shearers dragged sheep along each path.ResultsThe chart shows how muchenergy is used per sheep todrag along different paths.A shearer dragging a sheepalong the best path uses20% less energy per sheep(compared to the worst path).The best path is the shortestand involves least turns andtwisting.Recommended paths• The recommended pathis a short path involvingminimal rotation of sheep.– Path 1 for centre-board.– Path 2 for across-the-board.• Shearing stands should be provided for left-handed shearers to avoid reversed paths.WorkSafe Victoria gratefully acknowledgesVIOSH AustraliaUniversity of BallaratPO Box 663Ballarat 3353Tel: 03 5327 9150100%80%60%40%20%0%79% 81% 83%Centre-board dragsNo. 1 No. 5Across-the-board dragsNo. 2 No. 3 No. 489%100%Path 1 Path 2 Path 3 Path 4 Path 5Oxygen consumption per sheep dragged100% = worst path tested (centre-board‘reverse drag’ e.g. left-hander in right-hand shed)54 Health & Safety in Shearing

Number threeRelease chutesTraditional designSheep often baulk at entering a release chute or gate. When this happens anyobstruction will serve as a foothold. This will mean that the shearer has to work veryhard and struggle to push the sheep out the chute or gate.How big is the problem?A good gate or chute requires no effort – the sheep just walk away or slide down.To find out how much force is needed when a shearer needs to push the sheep pastan obstruction, a chute was built with a small obstruction that the sheep could useas a foothold.Experienced shearers pushed sheep out the chute while the forces were measured.ResultsThe results show that the shearer has to do a lot more than just push the sheep towardthe chute. They must control a struggling animal. This means they must push and pullin all directions.When struggling with the sheep many joints in the body are placed at risk.For example the forces in the back were estimated to be about 25% greater than therecognised limits.The risk of a back injury is even greater because the shearer has been stooped overfor several minutes.Recommended releaseThe best release is one where no effort is needed by the shearer.Chutes or level releases can be made easy to use by:1. Making sure there are no obstructions (like wood nailed across the entry to thechute) that could be a foothold for the sheep.2. Making the chute large enough (about 600 mm wide by 850 mm high).3. Making the near side of the chute about 150 – 250 mm from the downtube.4. Cutting the chute about 150 mm into the shearing board.WorkSafe Victoria gratefully acknowledgesVIOSH AustraliaUniversity of BallaratPO Box 663Ballarat 3353Tel: 03 5327 9150Shearing Shed Design NoteHealth & Safety in Shearing 55

Appendix 4 – AcknowledgmentsThis development of this document was undertakenby a Shearing Working Party convened by WorkSafeVictoria. The participation and contributions of theorganisations, their members and their representativeswho comprised the Group are gratefully acknowledged.Without their contributions this document would nothave been possible.The very helpful cooperation and contribution of theproperty owners, shearers and other shearing teammembers in the production of the photographs inthis publication are also gratefully acknlowedged.Shearing Working Party Organisations andRepresentativesAustralian Workers Union – Victorian BranchMr Sam BeecheyMr Ben DavisShearing Contractors Association of AustraliaMr Frank SutherlandVictorian Farmers’ FederationMs Patricia MurdockMr Simon PriceWoolclasser’s Association of AustraliaMs Helen WrightMr Anthony SawersConsultant to the Working PartyMr Michael LawranceWorkSafe VictoriaMr Barry Durham, Working Party ChairpersonMr Ross Armstrong56 Health & Safety in Shearing