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?

SAFETY Agriculture 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!

SAFETY More 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

Working Conditions: Heat..Humidity..high~ low Sweating and dehydration! Loading and unloading

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

SAFETY Another serious consideration are slippery spots throughout the livestock facility. Watch out for sharp corners and pinch points.

SAFETY Lighting: 10 ft candles of light. Ensure there are no bright spots to confuse livestock. Very important at the loading and unloading areas

SAFETY Livestock very seldom attack people. However, they may react in a fight or flight situation with sudden movement or loud noises!

SAFETY Zoonosis: 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

Livestock Confinement Building Hazards. Proper ventilation

CHECKLIST OF FARM SAFETY PRACTICES Establish 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.