L1 - Health and Safety

Proper handling

Minimizes stress and injury risk for animals.

Good restraint

Empathy and technique over physical strength.

Health and Safety risks

Potential dangers when dealing with animals.

Common injuries

Crushing, kicking, goring, butting, biting.

Agricultural fatalities 2022/2023

27 deaths reported in agriculture sector.

Main causes of deaths

Struck by vehicles, objects, machinery, falls, animals.

Poor equipment

Contributes to deaths and injuries on farms.

Cattle handling risks

Underestimating strength, speed, and behavior of cattle.

Dog bite statistics

107,366 dog-related injuries from 1998-2018.

Work-related dog bites

1,809 incidents reported from 2012-2018.

Live animal injuries

2.6 injuries per 100 graduating vet students.

Stress effects on animals

Impaired immune function and increased disease susceptibility.

Chronic fear in dairy cows

Leads to increased mastitis prevalence.

Stress impact on appetite

Complex interplay of leptin and glucocorticoids.

Zoonotic disease transmission

Routes include direct contact and environmental exposure.

Common zoonotic diseases

Tuberculosis, E. coli, ringworm, Q-fever, toxoplasmosis.

PPE usage

Reduces transfer of allergens and excreta.

Long-sleeved clothing

Prevents scratches from sharp claws.

Non-slip shoes

Prevents trips and falls on farms.

Eye protection

Recommended when handling birds with sharp beaks.

Handling stress effects

Reduced feed intake and milk production.

Flight zone

Animal's personal space indicating possible threat.

Blind spot

Area behind grazing animals not visible to them.

Cattle handling equipment

Includes rope halters and race/chute systems.

Dog restraint equipment

Collars, leads, muzzles, and harnesses.

Cat restraint techniques

Towels and bags for calming and protection.

Camelid handling

Requires careful halter placement to avoid panic.

General handling rules

Move slowly, avoid loud noises, respect livestock.

Escape route importance

Always have a plan when working closely with animals.