SAFETY

IN ANIMAL SCIENCE: A PRODUCTIVE FARM IS A SAFE FARM!

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RISKS?......

What is one of the most dangerous occupations?

How much do farm accidents cost annually?

How do we keep from having an accident and becoming a statistic?

SAFETYAgriculture is the third in death rate among careers!

25 workers per 100,000 die each year!

All industries combined show a death rate of just 4 per 100,000!!!

Most accidents are caused by machinery and very few caused by livestock!

SAFETYMore than 200 children die each year from farm related accidents!

Employees of a farming operation have to be given a safe environment and ample safety training!

These guidelines are set by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).

Stats:

Most people injured by cattle and hogs are male.

To the contrary those injured by horses are typically females.

SAFETY

SAFETYWorking Conditions:

Heat..Humidity..high~low

Sweating and dehydration!

Loading and unloading

SAFETYWhen loading and unloading it is very important to have adequate equipment that is heavy duty!!! (Always have an emergency exit!)

SAFETYAnother serious consideration are slippery spots throughout the livestock facility.

Watch out for sharp corners and pinch points.

SAFETYLighting: 10 ft candles of light.

Ensure there are no bright spots to confuse livestock.

Very important at the loading and unloading areas

SAFETYLivestock very seldom attack people.

However, they may react in a fight or flight situation with sudden movement or loud noises!

SAFETYZoonosis: the passing of diseases from animals to humans.

Ways to prevent disease…

Wearing rubber gloves.

Cleanliness, vaccinations, quarantine of sick animals, and avoiding exposure!

Be careful around sick animals and understand that a virus and infections are easily transmitted via saliva.

SAFETY

SAFETYLivestock Confinement Building Hazards.

Proper ventilation

CHECKLIST OF FARM SAFETY PRACTICESEstablish good sanitation, vaccination, and inoculation programs.

Plan ahead when working with animals in an enclosed space to provide a way out; have at least two escape routes!

Use proper equipment for the job; must be in good repair and strong enough for the species

Must have enough strength and experience for the job

Use caution when approaching livestock to avoid startling

Educate workers on safety and its importance

Know the animals

Be patient

Do not work animals when you are exhausted

SAFETY CHECKLIST CONTINUED

Enough help to do the job

Lead animals properly, doing so with caution

No horseplay around the animals

Keep children and visitors away

Dehorn

No smoking

Fire extinguishers

Remove trash and clutter

Repair facilities regularly

Check wiring and outlets regularly (nothing electrical an animal can chew)

SAFETY CHECKLIST CONTINUED

Adequate lighting

Proper ventilation (animals and humans)

Keep floors and loading areas dry and free of slippery spots

Well maintained first aid kit in all major buildings

Emergency telephone numbers

Keep radios or telephones in trucks and buildings

Store all chemicals, fertilizers, medicines away from animals in a locked space

Post warning signs at the entrances of chemical storage areas

All farm ponds fenced to keep out children

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and why it is important.

SAFETY ATTIRE

Long pants highly suggested

Close-toed leather shoes or boots (preferred)

Safety glasses in some lab areas

Wear safety gloves when feeding and handling livestock or anything that may have come in contact with livestock feces.