MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall is encouraging the local community to have their say on a new work health and safety Code of Practice to help reduce injuries and avoid tragedy for those people who work around horses.
Mr Marshall said SafeWork NSW consultation for the draft Code of Practice for managing risks when new and inexperienced persons interact with horses would be seeking public comment until June 30.
“NSW will be the first state to have developed a dedicated Code of Practice to help guide employers in the horse industry to reduce risks and meet their workplace safety obligations,” Mr Marshall said.
One worker is hospitalised each day in Australia due to a horse related injury, and for every worker hurt, another ten non-workers are injured.
Work-related horse injuries cost the NSW economy around $5 million each year.
In NSW, since June 2011, there have been almost 2,000 workers compensation claims for workplace injuries and occupational diseases relating to horses, costing the Scheme $14.3 million.
Of the 133 fatalities that occurred Australia-wide between 2000 and 2014, 18 per cent involved people under the age of 20.
“People that are younger or inexperienced around horses may be less likely to understand horse behaviour or may be unfamiliar with characteristics of a workplace setting,” Mr Marshall said.
“A key component of the new Code is ensuring the horse and the experience of the individual are suitable for the activity being undertaken.
“I urge all those that carry out work activities with horses including trainers, volunteers, and horse transporters to provide their input into the draft code.”
The consultation period is open from June 1 to June 30. A completed Code is expected to be in place by October.
To view the code or provide feedback visit www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au