Instructor: The following script can be used to deliver a 15- minute training session to employees.
POINTS TO EMPHASIZE
Know sensitivity warning signs of animals
Know the characteristics of animal vision and hearing
Know safe livestock handling practices
Sensitivity warnings
Lack of knowledge of animal characteristics and poor animal handling facilities and environments can
result in a high potential for accidents. Workers must always be on guard when working with or around
animals. Most animal species have and display characteristic signs of fear, aggression and contentment.
Astute handlers should be sensitive to such warnings evidenced by raised or pinned ears, raised tail,
raised back hair, bared teeth, pawing the ground, and/or snorting.
Handling Methods
Most animals respond favorably to calm and deliberate movement and responses from a handler.
Avoid loud noises and be patient. Never prod an animal when it has no place to go. Move slowly and
deliberately around livestock, with the safest approach being to announce your approach through a
touch to the animal's front side.
Respect rather than fear livestock. Animals will defend their territory and should be worked around
keeping in mind that there is always the potential for harm.
SAFE HANDLING OF FARM ANIMALS TAILGATE TALK
WSPS.CA
