Guides & Toolkits

HANDLING LARGE ANIMALS SAFELY 3 380-BKI-01-IAOT © 2022, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | wsps.ca Horses and mules commonly kick toward their hindquarters while cow's kick forward and out to the side. Cows also have a tendency to kick toward a side with pain from inflammation or injuries. For example, if a dairy cow is suffering from mastitis in one quarter, consider approaching her from the side of the non-affected udder. Livestock with young exhibit a maternal instinct. They are usually more defensive and difficult to handle. When possible, let the young stay as close to the adult as possible when handling. Most animals have a strong territorial instinct and develop a very distinctive, comfortable attachment to areas such as pastures and buildings, water troughs, worn paths and feed bunks. Forcible removal from these areas can cause animals to react unexpectedly. Considering these animal traits, it is easy to understand why animals often hesitate when going through unfamiliar gates, barn doors, and handling and loading chutes. Similar problems occur when animals are moved away from feed, separated from the herd or approached by an unfamiliar person. Moving or flapping objects can also disrupt handling. A cloth or coat swinging in the wind or turning fan blades can cause animals to balk. Movement at the end of a chute can cause them to refuse to be herded. Yelling should be kept to a minimum when working with livestock to enable the animal to feel secure. Be cautious around animals that are blind or deaf on one side. They favor that side and can suddenly swing around to investigate disturbances. If standing too close, a person could easily be knocked down and trampled. Animals respond to the way they are treated and draw upon past experiences when reacting to a situation. For example, animals that are chased, slapped, kicked, hit or frightened when young will naturally fear being approached. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Personal protective equipment appropriate to the work situation should be worn. This could include safety glasses, gloves, long trousers, steel-toed shoes or boots, shin guards and a hard hat. It is also important to wear the proper footwear when around livestock. Footwear that supplies the proper foot support and protection is essential. For instance, one misplaced hoof of a 1500-pound cow can easily break the bones of the human foot encased in a pair of running shoes. Wear rubber gloves when working with sick and injured animals as well as other protective clothing for protection. Practice personal hygiene by washing your hands and face after handling animals. WSPS.CA

• Cover