The issue of safe cattle handling was recently brought to the forefront at an event hosted by The Farm Safety Partnership and IOSH Rural Industries in October. The event focussed on insights into animal psychology as part of efforts to improve farm safety while handling cattle.
Education and promotion of safe ways of working were highlighted as key components of making agriculture safer, combined with a better understanding of animal behaviour by handlers, equipment manufacturers, farm advisors and others to help improve designs and install safer facilities.
Safe handling and understanding animal behaviour also ensures the safety and well being of both animals, their handlers, vets and others exposed to risk when handling cattle, and anyone using public footpaths passing through farmland.
The Farm Safety Partnership is currently looking at tackling handling cattle safely and acollection of information on safe cattle handling from a variety of sources can be found by visiting the Farm Safety Partnership website.
Rick Brunt, head of agriculture at the Health and Safety Executive provides more information on how to reduce the risks when interacting with cattle, whether you're a farmer or a member of the public, here.?