The racing industry is made up of some of the most resilient and hard-working individuals, but it is essential that we come together to ensure the safety of those who make our industry thrive. Across Queensland, participants come from diverse backgrounds—hailing from the bush, the city, and everywhere in between. Despite their passion and dedication, the unique challenges of our industry are undeniable. The demanding workload, the unpredictable behaviour of livestock, and the non-standard hours of racing all contribute to the risks faced daily.
With these challenges in mind, we have a shared responsibility to do everything in our power to mitigate risks and protect one another. The first steps in this process—identifying and assessing risks—are crucial but often where efforts stop. This is frequently due to a lack of accessible knowledge about what comes next. It’s all too easy to fall into the mindset of, “It’s a risky game; there’s nothing I can do about it.” But the truth is, while some risks cannot be entirely eliminated, they can certainly be minimised with proactive management.
Simple, practical measures can go a long way in reducing the number of incidents in your stable. These include:
- Ensuring the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to shield against foreseeable risks.
- Providing suitable and ongoing training to staff, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle challenges.
- Reviewing incidents and near-misses to identify lessons learned and prevent recurrences.
- Using quality, well-maintained equipment to avoid accidents caused by faulty gear.
- Matching horses with handlers and riders suited to their skill level and experience, fostering a safer working environment for everyone involved.
- Managing workloads effectively to mitigate fatigue-related issues, as tiredness often leads to lapses in judgment and increases the likelihood of accidents.
By implementing these steps, we can build a safer, more sustainable future for our industry. Let’s shift the narrative from “It’s a risky game” to “We’re managing the risks together.” After all, our strength as an industry lies in our ability to support and protect each other.
Workplace Health & Safety Obligations
Workplace health and safety (WHS) obligations apply to everyone involved in the racing industry. As a trainer, it’s crucial to understand your responsibilities, comply with WHS laws, and prioritise the safety of yourself, your staff, volunteers, and anyone interacting with your business.
Failing to meet these obligations not only puts people’s health and lives at risk but also breaches the law, which can result in significant penalties or prosecution. By adhering to WHS requirements, you help create a safer and more sustainable industry for everyone.
Trainers' Legal Responsibilities
If you are operating as a trainer, you are legally required to provide and maintain a safe and healthy workplace for yourself, your workers, volunteers, and anyone else who may be affected by your activities.
Under WHS legislation, you must:
- Ensure safe systems of work: Implement procedures that minimise risks associated with training, handling, and working with horses and equipment
- Ensure safe use and handling of goods and substances: Safeguard everyone by ensuring safe handling of feed, chemicals, medications, and other substances used in stables and training environments.
- Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision: Ensure your workers and volunteers receive the necessary training and guidance to carry out their roles safely, including handling horses and using machinery.
- Manage worker fatigue: Fatigue is a significant risk in the racing industry, where early mornings and physically demanding tasks are the norm. As a trainer, ensure your staff and volunteers have adequate rest breaks, manageable workloads, and reasonable working hours. Monitor for signs of fatigue, such as reduced concentration and slower reaction times, and take proactive steps to minimise these risks. Racing Queensland (RQ) and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), and key stakeholder groups – the Australian Trainers' Association Queensland (ATA QLD) and the Australian and Queensland Jockeys’ Associations (AJA and QJA) – all conjointly support the following guideline: RQ Fatigue Management Guidance Note.
- Assess risks and implement appropriate control measures: Identify potential hazards and take steps to eliminate or reduce risks, such as using proper safety equipment.
- Report notifiable incidents to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ): Promptly report any incidents that result in serious injury, illness, or dangerous situations to WHSQ.
- Investigate incidents and take preventative action: Review any incidents, determine their cause, and implement measures to prevent similar events from occurring in the future.
- Provide workers’ compensation insurance: Ensure your workers are covered under a valid workers’ compensation policy, providing them with protection in case of injury or illness. RQ strongly encourages all trainers that don’t have WorkCover insurance to consider taking out WorkCover insurance and encourages trainers with existing WorkCover insurance to review their existing arrangements to ensure sufficient coverage is in place. For more information about what WorkCover insurance is, please click on this link to view more.
By meeting these obligations, you contribute to a safer and healthier racing environment, helping to protect the people and animals that make Queensland racing thrive. For more information or assistance, please contact
- RQ Risk and Insurance Team 07 3869 9770
- WorkSafe Qld 1300 362 128
Useful Links for Trainers
Thoroughbred Trainers Insurance Levy
The Insurance Levy was introduced on 1 January 2024 and will run for an initial trial period until 30 June 2025. The levy collects 1% of prize money winnings on all TAB races with a goal to use the money to support Queensland Trainers in funding rising WorkCover premiums, contribute towards Trainers public liability insurance (RQ funded), support improved WHS practices and assist in the management of WorkCover statutory claims. For more information on the levy, please click here.