HANDLING LARGE ANIMALS SAFELY
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380-BKI-01-IAOT © 2022, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | wsps.ca
When you are inside a handling facility or milking lane, always leave yourself a way to get out if it
becomes necessary. Try to avoid entering a small area enclosed with large animals unless it is equipped
with a man gate that you can get to easily.
Never prod animals if they have no place to go.
HOUSEKEEPING
Keeping your work area clean and free of debris will help provide a safe working environment. Check
for and eliminate any sharp corners or protrusions in walkways. Check to ensure that all latches and
levers cannot fly open easily. Clean concrete ramps and floors regularly to prevent slips and trips. Keep
pitchforks and other sharp tools stored properly out of walkways.
CATTLE
Accidents with beef cattle tend to occur while the
victim is handling the livestock. Beef cattle are known
for an even disposition, but can be startled and inflict
injury to anyone in their way. Groups of animals
are easy to spook. Bovines can see nearly 360 degrees
without moving their heads. Therefore, a quick
movement behind is just as apt to set them off
as a frontal one.
Dairy cows may look contented in the pasture, but
they are generally more nervous than other animals.
Creatures of habit, they are easily startled especially
by strange noises and persons.++
Always announce your presence when approaching a
cow. Gently touch the animal rather than let the first
contact be a bump or shove.
When moving cows into a constraining space such as a milking parlor stall or squeeze chute, give them
time to adjust before starting the work at hand.
If a cow tends to kick, consider using a hobble. Do not permit workers to talk loudly, clatter and bang
equipment around or handle cows roughly. Gentle cows can become dangerous when defending calves.
This fact should be impressed to children, visitors and new workers.
WSPS.CA
