With COVID-19 spreading rapidly outside the nation's major population centres Australia shearers say many woolgrowers are failing to act on health measures designed to stop the spread of the virus.
The Australian Workers' Union, which represents the nation's shearers, says while most rural businesses are going out of the way to be COVID safe, its members say many woolgrowers are totally ignoring the dangers.
This week Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine, Walgett and Warren joined Tamworth and Dubbo in a growing list of local government areas under stay-at-home orders.
Ron Cowdrey, AWU NSW Vice President and its shearing organiser, says given the low level of health compliance it's just a matter of time before there is a COVID case in a shed.
"With cases spreading into the regions, and the list of regional lockdowns escalating, regional employers have had to lift their game to prevent the spread of COVID-19," Mr Cowdrey says.
"Shearing is considered an essential service and everyone needs to do their part to keep the industry operating.
"This 'she'll be right' attitude by woolgrowers is really a disaster waiting to happen - one positive case in a single shed will have a devasting impact on the industry."
Mr Cowdrey says woolgrowers must follow the example of other businesses by taking a few simple steps to protect themselves and their workers:
· Provide well stocked hand-washing stations and sanitiser for workers.
· Ensure all workers and visitors check in with a NSW QR code (or paper record) every day.
· Ensure masks are worn indoors (except when shearing, which is classed as strenuous physical activity).
· Enforce safe social distancing – 1.5m between workers. If that isn't possible between stands, use every second stand.
· Disinfect and clean down high-touch surfaces and equipment between use.
The AWU says woolgrowers should also encourage all workers to get vaccinated and do this in paid time.
"Workplace health and safety has never been more important," Mr Cowdrey says.
"Our shearing organisers are actively supporting our AWU members in the sheds this season to make sure woolgrowers do the right thing."
