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.
The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied
upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate
only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.
|
