Cow-crushed truck driver shares message for Farm Safety Week 2025

David Scott had an accident while loading cattle. It cost him his business, triggered seven operations and could have killed him. “One single, sliding gate could have changed everything.” David said.

As part of National Farm Safety Week (21–25 July 2025), David shares his story to help raise awareness of the importance of safe loading ramps, yards and livestock handling facilities. 

David’s accident occurred in 2012 while loading cows on a property 40km west of Roma, Queensland.

“They were beautiful, big heavy cows,” David said.

“We were loading a B-Double. The top three pens were loaded without any problems but there was one cow that was a leader that kept going right to the back. 

“When we got to the last pen, she was the first one in.

“She turned around at the doorway. The other nine walked in no problems, but there was nothing to stop her coming back out and not enough time for me to slide my back gate shut.”

Knowing he couldn’t shut the gate in time, David decided to let the cow back out. With no walkway on the side of the race, he got caught and was crushed by the 700kg cow.

David cracked several vertebrae and shattered his pelvis. He was hospitalised for 12 months and need to learn to walk again. 

“I sold all my trucks and trailers because I was bedridden and couldn’t do anything.” 

David was no stranger to loading and handling cattle - he’d been driving trucks for 35 years - but now says safe facilities are a must. 

“I’ve loaded plenty of cattle in the Gulf. You know how to handle and work cattle but, in this instance, without that slide gate, there was no way of keeping the cow forward.” 

It’s been 13 years and David is back doing what he loves - running Scott’s Haulage in Roma. He said sharing his story has encouraged others to retrofit sliding gates on the top of their loading ramp. 

“If you’ve got the devices, once a cow goes forward through that gate, it can’t come back.”

Roma cattle producer Peter Thompson said hearing about David’s accident reinforced the need for safe loading facilities on their property at Echo Hills. 

“We’ve known David forever. He was so lucky to come out of that accident alive,” Peter said. 

“It reinforced to us the need for safe loading facilities. 

“We would see truck drivers, after clambering on loading ramp rails, realising they had to reach across to shut the truck gate. 

“We added a slide gate about four head back down, as well as one at the top of the loading ramp.  

“This helps control the flow of the cattle.

“We also had a walkway extension added on the offside of the loading ramp in addition to handrails. 

“You don’t have to be overly skilled with a welder to add it to an existing loading ramp. 

“If you’re side-loading or rear-loading, you’re not relying on the truck’s gate.

“It keeps it safer and costs bugger all in reality.” 

Roma cattle producer Peter Thompson with slide gate he installed on his loading ramp. 

Sliding gates retail for between $250-$1300 and can be retrofitted.

MLA Transport Hub Manager, Sharon Dundon said Farm Safety Week is a great opportunity for livestock operators to consider the safety of yards and loading facilities.

“At the National Rural Carrier’s Convention in Canberra this year, unsafe handling facilities and truck access was the second biggest issue for livestock transporters from across Australia,” Ms Dundon said.

“This National Farm Safety Week, we are encouraging everyone to check yards, races, and crush and loading ramps, to make sure they’re as safe as possible for all operators – yourselves, your family, your staff and contractors.”

MLA’s Transport Hub features a series of resources including a checklist for preparing for livestock transport.

“Talk to your truck driver. Ask them if there’s anything that would make your setup safer. It doesn’t always have to be a big cost. Sometimes it’s just fixing up a few things.”

“Whilst some places have improved, plenty still won’t upgrade their infrastructure”, David said. 

“Ive seen some places in the same condition they were when built 30 years ago,” he said. “No catwalk, no walkways, nothing. 

“If you want me to drive around in a million-dollar truck with a B-Double and cart your cattle so I don’t bruise them, then you need to improve your setup. 

“It’s not safe. It’s not safe for the stock, it’s not safe for the person.” 

Livestock managers can visit MLA’s Transport Hub for information about preparing yards for livestock transport, including links to safe loading ramp designs and guidelines.