Racing Industry Workplace Fatalities

admin • July 8, 2025

In recent times we have seen the tragic deaths of workers in the horse racing industry. In May 2025, Fiona Ralph tragically died following a head injury sustained while working at Bendigo Racecourse. Less than 2 months later, on the 3rd July 2025, we heard news of Peta Tait, a 43-year-old worker who was killed at Cranbourne Racecourse. It is believed that she was kicked in the head by a horse while in the stable. She was attended to by medical personnel, who were unable to save her.


Jockey Blake Shinn has reportedly paid tribute, stating that “This is a painful reminder of the dangers that come with working in such a demanding and unpredictable environment.” (7 news)


As the jockey highlights the dangers – we turn our minds to the unique hazards presented by the industry, many of which are covered in the WorkSafe Victoria Guidebook – Horse Stable and track riding safety: Horse stables and track riding safety | WorkSafe Victoria.


The guide is intended to provide information for those working in the industry and outlines how to identify hazards and implement risk control measures. As in all industries, the employer is responsible for providing a safe workplace, and the usual obligations to consult with the workforce and to control hazards in line with the hierarchy of control all apply. There is a section which specifically covers the safety of stables.


Of course, horses are strong and unpredictable, and they pose a specific hazard in this industry - and one which cannot be eliminated as part of this particular workplace.


The document discusses the need for training and supervision, which is required in all workplaces. Also, the use of PPE as a control measure, indicating that the use of appropriate footwear, helmets and body protection may be required to ensure the safety of those riding, training, feeding and working with horses and cleaning stables. Working alone can also increase the risks of working around horses.


According to SafeWork NSW ‘One worker is hospitalised each day in Australia due to a horse related injury’. Not all of these are workers; however, it does highlight how dangerous working around horses can be. WorkSafe Victoria reports injury claims attributable to horse racing at: Injury hotspots - Horse racing | WorkSafe Victoria.


While the racing community must, of course, grieve the recent loss of two of its’ workers, there will concurrently be a WorkSafe investigation and a Victoria Police investigation for the Coroner. No matter the outcome of these investigations, it is an opportunity to look to industry work practices and identify any improvements which could be made to improve safety in the future. The gravity of such an event cannot be underestimated in its’ impact to family, friends and workmates. One can only hope that an improvement in future safety may be one of those impacts.


Our sincere condolences to the families of Fiona and Peta.

NEW HSR Refresher OHS Training Course - Aggression or Violence

By admin • August 10, 2026
BeSafe Victoria is pleased to announce the upcoming delivery of a new Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Refresher OHS Training Course focused on Aggression and Violence in the workplace . This is a brand new WorkSafe developed training course, which equips HSRs with practical knowledge and skills to address one of the most significant psychosocial hazards facing Victorian workplaces today. Workplace aggression and violence can occur in any industry and the impacts can be both physical and psychological, not only affecting the person directly involved but also those who witness or are exposed to these incidents. Impacts also extend beyond the workplace to affect family and community. The new course explores aggression and violence through a risk management lens, building skills in hazard identification, assessing risks, finding effective controls and in contributing to effective workplace consultation. The training aligns with the growing emphasis on managing psychosocial hazards and reflects contemporary workplace health and safety expectations, including the management of aggression and violence as a workplace risk. The knowledge gained is important in ensuring that legal obligations, including those relating to the Psychological Health Regulations, are met and that workplaces are safe. As always, BeSafe Victoria is committed to providing engaging, practical and relevant training. This new refresher course offers an excellent opportunity for participants to strengthen their knowledge, build confidence in addressing workplace risks and return to their workplaces with practical strategies for supporting safer work environments. Bookings for this new HSR Refresher OHS Training Course on Aggression and Violence will be available soon. To register your interest, go to HSR Training and support | BeSafe | Regional Victoria or email us at info@besafevictoria.com.au  We look forward to helping you create safer, healthier and more respectful workplaces across Victoria.

Working in the cold

By admin • July 27, 2026
When Winter sweeps across Victoria, temperatures can drop sharply, especially in regional areas and early mornings. For outdoor workers, or those in cold storage and refrigerated environments, these conditions aren’t just uncomfortable, they can be dangerous if not managed properly. Working in a cold environment can lead to: Hypothermia : when body temperature drops below safe levels. Frostbite : damage to skin and tissue from freezing. Reduced dexterity : making tasks harder and increasing risk of incidents. Slips and falls : from ice, frost, or wet surfaces. Fatigue : as the body works harder to stay warm. Increase in prevalence of other conditions: such as arthritis and bronchitis. Under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (The Act), employers must provide a safe working environment. This includes: Identifying cold-related hazards. Implementing control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk as far as reasonably practicable. Follow a risk management process in relation to the hazard. Consult with your workforce throughout the process. When you have identified that you have a cold hazard in your workplace, you must control the risk as far as reasonably practicable. As, always this means working through the Hierarchy of Control from top to bottom. Here are some ways you could think about controlling the cold hazard in your workplace: Eliminate: Think about changing work scheduling if weather is extreme. Substitute: Think about whether you could move the work to another location. Isolate: Protect the workers from the cold, for example by providing shelter. Engineer: Can you provide heating or insulation in this work situation? Administrative controls: Could include changes to the workflow or rosters. Training must be provided, including training in the signs of cold stress and treatment. PPE: Such as weatherproof clothing, hats, face covers, boots, and allowing for drying or replacement of gear.  Don’t forget that, under The Act, Consultation must be undertaken at every step of the process. Monitoring of the controls must also occur, especially as conditions change. Frosts and wind chill factor should be taken into account, as well as seasonal or unexpected weather changes. Cold conditions in Victoria can be managed with the right planning, clothing, and awareness. Employers and workers share the responsibility to ensure everyone stays safe, warm, and healthy through the winter months. Health and safety representatives are a key part of the co-operative process required to create safe workplaces. For more information on this topic, take a look at: Cold - OHS Reps Extreme cold | Comcare For specific guidance regarding cold storage facilities: Safe operation of cold storage facilities: A handbook for workplaces | WorkSafe Victoria