Australian state to implement horse-riding code of practice following accidents
Xinhua, June 1, 2016 Adjust font size:
New South Wales (NSW) will become the first Australian state to implement a horse riding code of practice following a spate of accidents at competition level, including two deaths.
The NSW state government announced on Wednesday that the code is aimed at reducing work-related injuries and fatalities involving horses.
They noted work-related horse injuries cost the NSW economy more than 5 million Australian dollars (3.62 million U.S. dollars) each year.
"This Code of Practice will assist workplaces to prevent horse-related accidents by ensuring that people working with beginner riders are adequately trained," NSW state innovation and better regulation minister Victor Dominello said.
"One worker in NSW is hospitalised every day due to horse-related injuries."
Horse related incidents accounted for 133 deaths between 2000 and 2014 across Australia, with 18 percent of fatalities involving people aged under 20.
The government said there had been almost 2,000 workers compensation claims in the state for workplace injuries and occupational diseases relating to horses.
The dedicated horse riding code of practice is expected to be in place by the end of 2016. Endit