Incidents involving livestock are one of the most common causes of both fatal and non-fatal injury in the farm workplace. Animals can be unpredictable and handling livestock always involves an element of risk. These risks increase if animals are not handled regularly, for example, livestock from hills or moorland and sucklers or newly calved cows. Attempting to carry out stock tasks on unrestrained animals or with makeshift equipment is particularly hazardous and you should never underestimate the risk, even with precautions in place. The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 requires you to assess and control the risks from work activities so far as is reasonably practicable.
Here are ways that you can improve your livestock handling system to manage the risk, making the process safer and more efficient.
Cattle
To reduce the risk of injury to you and your employees, as well as visitors such as vets and statutory inspectors, when handling cattle you should have:
- Proper handling facilities, which are well maintained and in good working order.
- A race and a crush suitable for the animals to be handled.
- Trained and competent workers.
- A rigorous culling policy for temperamental animals.
Cattle – the race
When working with cattle, a collecting pen and race allows animals to be funnelled through to the crush so they can be restrained, and routine tasks can be carried out safely.
Circular collecting pens allow workers to stand safely behind a forcing gate as they move animals into the race, and it keeps the animals moving. It’s important that animals can see the crush and beyond, so they readily move through the race to the funnelled end. It’s also worth noting that animals will be more prepared to move towards a light area than into darkness, which may help to avoid resistance. The sides of the race should be high enough to prevent animals from jumping over them, and they should be properly secured to each other and the ground for maximum strength.
You might consider sheeting the sides of the race to reduce distractions such as shadows and other animals. Hinged or sliding doors are suitable but make sure they are operated from the working side of the race, so the operator does not have to reach across the race to close the gate.
The lead animal must be contained in the race whilst waiting to enter the crush. Ensure the animal waiting in the race behind is secured before starting work on the animal presently in the crush.
Cattle – the crush
A suitable crush should have the following:
- A locking front gate and yoke (ideally self-locking) to allow the animal’s head to be firmly held. Additional restraint will prevent the animal tossing its head up and causing injury.
- A rump rail, chain or bar to minimise forward and backward movement of the animal.
The crush should be secured to the ground or, if mobile, attached to a vehicle. Wherever the crush is in use, it should be positioned to allow you to work safely around it. There should be regular maintenance on the equipment to ensure the gates open smoothly with minimum effort and noise. The crush should have a slip-resistant floor, made of sound hardwood bolted into place (nails are not suitable), metal chequer plate or rubber matting. Specialist tasks, such as belly or foot trimming, require a purpose-designed crush with adequate restraint and enough room to work safely.
Working with bulls
When working with bulls, ensure handlers are competent, agile and aware of the dangers. Never turn your back on the bull and before work commences, make sure you have a planned escape route. When kept away from other cattle, stock bulls can become frustrated and aggressive. Bulls are likely to be more amenable to handling if, from a young age, they associate the presence of people with pleasant things such as feeding, grooming or exercise. Consider whether bulls should be ringed at 10 months old, to aid with handling. If you buy, hire or borrow a stock bull – find out how the bull has been handled, the equipment they are used to, and take time to get to know them.
All stock bulls of a dairy breed should be kept in a purpose-made bull pen. It is not acceptable to allow these bulls to run through the parlour at milking time, to tether them in stalls or cubicles, or allow them to run freely in the yard. The bullpen should be sited where the animal can see other cattle, and farm activity. The pen should be large enough and strong enough to contain the bull, have both a lying and exercise area, and facilities to allow for feeding and watering from outside the pen. No one should ever enter the enclosure when the bull is loose.
Cows & young calves
When working with cattle, it’s often perceived that bulls are the most dangerous. However, it is important to be vigilant when handling all livestock, particularly cows with young calves as they can also be unpredictable. Be mindful that animals may become aggressive, stay alert and watch for warning signs. When handling livestock, avoid lone working, plan escape routes, monitor the situation and ensure handling is as careful and as stress-free as possible.
Sheep & pigs
To reduce the risk of injury from handling smaller animals such as sheep – ensure you are using races, shedding gates and turnover crates. For pigs, make full use of boards when moving or working with the animals. Ensure the sow is properly restrained or segregated when working with piglets, especially in outdoor farrowing systems.
For further advice on livestock handling safety, please contact our Health and Safety team on 01981 590514 or visit Agriculture: livestock (hse.gov.uk)
