29 Nov Animal Handling Safety

Animal Handling Safety

Workers in farming, veterinary, and animal services industries may handle animals as a part of their job duties. The types of animals may vary, but workers should get training on their potential hazards and safe handling techniques. Animal hazards may include injuries due to sudden animal movements, bites and scratches, and zoonosis (diseases spread from animals to humans).

Handling an animal safely begins with knowing the animal’s typical behavior. Animal handling techniques should be taught to inexperienced workers and used consistently by everyone. Generally, slow and deliberate movements should be used around animals. Workers should approach animals from the front and avoid their blind spots and the “kick zone” behind cattle and horses. Cornering, teasing, poking, or needlessly hurting animals can cause them to react violently.

Animal behavior can be unpredictable; therefore workers should remain constantly alert when handling them. Workers should watch for warning signs of animal aggressiveness and fear. These vary with animal breeds, but may include raised fur, flattened ears, twitching tails, or bared teeth. If possible, workers should avoid handling these animals until they are in a calmer state. Some herd animals may be calmer when handled in small groups.

Extra caution should be used when handling animals that are sick, hurt, or new mothers. Aggressive (or sick) animals and their pens should be labeled to ensure that everyone uses extra caution around them. If workers must capture animals or administer treatments that may cause pain, they should do so with assistance from animal capture devices and/or other workers. Workers should use extreme caution when giving injections and handling sharps around animals; sudden animal movements could cause a stick injury.

When capturing or handling a tethered animal, workers should practice good ergonomics by keeping their backs straight and their joints “soft.” This can prevent injury and a “whiplash” effect if the animal moves suddenly. If an animal begins thrashing around too violently to safely control, the handler should release the animal if it is safe to do so. Additional restraints or help may be needed to handle that animal safely. It is advisable to keep an open route of escape when working with animals.

For safety on the job, workers need protective footwear with non-slip soles, sturdy clothing, and gloves. The potential for zoonosis (diseases transmitted by animals) varies depending on the animal breed, but is generally caused by dirty hands or inhalation of contaminated dusts. Frequent hand washing is the best defense against diseases caused by touching animal saliva and wastes. Protective eyewear and respirators may also be needed for diseases transmitted by breathing contaminated farm and field dusts. If injured by an animal or potentially exposed to a diseased animal, workers should immediately report to their supervisor and seek the appropriate medical attention and follow-up.

Knowledge and training can prevent workers from experiencing the painful side of animal instincts.

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