Safety Tips Animal and insect safety

Livestock safety

livestock

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Farm animals can present real dangers to farmers, ranchers and their families. The National Safety Council recommends the following steps to mitigate those risks when handling livestock:

  • Label livestock handling areas to keep visitors away.
  • Design all livestock facilities to allow workers easy access.
  • Equip pens with emergency exits.
  • Keep children and visitors out of livestock handling areas.
  • Be sure fences, gates and pens are in good repair and that restraining equipment is functioning properly.

Further, understanding animals’ instincts can help prepare you for some unexpected reactions:

  • Changes in lighting or shadows can spook animals, as can sudden or loud noises.
  • Animals can behave unpredictably when separated from other animals.
  • Many types of livestock – including beef cattle, swine and dairy cattle – are color-blind and have poor depth perception, making them sensitive to noise and contrasts in light and movement.

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