The tragic accident of a young woman suffering from a severe head injury due to an overhead shaft is still burning in everyone’s memory. After pleading guilty to put other people’s lives at risk, the NSW contractor was fined more than $16,000. Unfortunately, this terrible workplace accident has not brought significant changes to the woolsheds.

The Overhead Shaft Accident

Ms Barnes was working on the woolpack at the time her hair became entangled in the electric motor placed above. The electric motors usually come with a belt drive to run handpieces for shearing.

She was taken to the hospital and underwent a 20-hour surgery as the machinery hit her from the back.

Need for Upgrades

Shearing Contractors’ Association of Australia, after this incident, called for effective measures to put a ban on the outdated equipment.

However, out-of-fashion shearing sheds are still not an uncommon sight. The association puts a focus on following a business model, and banning overhead shafts. Shearers cannot use older equipment with safety switches.

Upgrades are Underway

After this horrific accident, some of the farms have already embraced a change. A Guyra-based shearing contractor spent $8,000 for a small shed. Most of the sheds are replacing the shafts, but the overhead shafts are still noticed.

Some conscious shearers left the shaft system long before the accident, and only use the latest tools for better cuts and less fatigue.

The high wool prices usually play a huge role in the investment. Shearers are also concerned about safety measures and educating to minimize dangers.

As safety is high priority, health considerations and amenities are not behind. Contractors acknowledge the need for drinking water and accommodation.

Necessary Health Considerations

Shearing is a physically challenging task and the majority of shearers suffer from musculoskeletal injuries. Workers need deserving compensations and downtime to keep these types of injuries at bay.

Besides, young shearers expect improved facilities and the shearing industry exactly needs better facilities to attract the demographic. A farmer near Armidale invested $6,000 in a smoko room. After all, a worker’s comfort can bolster productivity.

Funding for Changes  

While many shearers want to implement the change, the lack of funding becomes a problem. Sole proprietors in NSW can avail a rebate (of $500) for buying and installing new equipment to make the farm a safer place.

Experts think that the elimination of “entanglement issue” and “exposed shafts” can lead to a generational change.

So, keep glued to our blog for more information on workplace safety in the shearing industry, and get the latest equipment and accessories on Shearquantity.