Animal Handling

Introduction

OSHA Rules
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) requires employers to comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards. In addition, pursuant to Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty Clause, employers must provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

Hazard
Injury to workers and animals can occur with all ages and developmental stages of pigs and during moving and loading or unloading, and processing.

Prevention and control
Strategies to prevent injuries are reviewed below. Situations and facilities vary and this list is not meant to be inclusive of all prevention and control strategies but is meant to help stimulate the problem-solving process for producers.

Loading and Unloading

• When loading and unloading pigs, the animals should be moved as quickly and efficiently as possible.
o Moving them too quickly, however, can result in injury to both the handler and the animals.
• Handlers must ensure that neither the animal’s health nor their safety is at risk by [doing what? I am not sure what an animal handler does. Kerry, add something here such as, ". . . by remaining alert to changing situations, limiting the numbers of animals moved at a time, making sure inexperienced workers are partnered with experienced workers, and making sure all workers are wearing appropriate footwear etc.].
• Studies have shown that pigs are under a great deal of stress when they are being transported. [Kerry -- can you add the citation(s) to the studies noted here, in the reference section in case people want to read the study or at least know that the study exists. Can include the abstract as well so peolple will know that the study was about 1,000 piglets in Bogota Colombia in 1997 or 45 boars in Iowa in 2005. Or if you don't know where this came from take out the "Studies have shown" part.-- ms]

Moving Pigs

• Limit the number of pigs moved at one time to a manageable size group.
• The size of the animals and the physical layout of the work area will determine the number of pigs moved at one time.
• In any case, the number of animals being moved will [should?] not exceed the following limits.

o Entering the nursery: 20 pigs
o Entering the finisher: 10 pigs
o Leaving the finisher: 5 pigs
o Breeding stock: 3-5 pigs

Farrowing

Possible hazards to workers in a farrowing house include:

• electrocution
• power washing
• stressed animals
• washing and moving sows into the farrowing area
• fire

To avoid electrical accidents, workers should:

• Pay close attention to electrical outlets, plugs and cords;
• Never work without shoes, with holes in shoes, or with wet feet; and
• Only perform electrical work they are authorized to do.

Make sure all employees receive training on the proper methods for working around electrical fixtures. This should also include training on the appropriate methods for inspecting the worksite for related hazards and then the development of procedures to report the issues. Make sure that all exposed live electrical parts are promptly repaired when they are identified as damaged or defective. [text taken record of a violation of the General Duty Clause]

Replace ALL temporary wiring with permanent wiring. Producers have been fined for having extension cords and using temporary yellow romex cords for heaters in farrowing units.

See Fire/Electrical page.

In one incident in a piggery in Australia, seven sows and 25 piglets were electrocuted when a faulty heat lamp short-circuited on metal farrowing crates. The crates were all linked together and as a result, all became “live.” Thirty-two more piglets died later. Human life could quite easily have been at risk as well.

Another potential hazard in the farrowing area is washing and moving sows.

• Washing sows in small groups makes them easier to handle.
• Make sure that the washing area is sturdy enough to hold the sows being washed.
• When entering the wash area, be aware of your position so you do not get pushed or stepped on by other sows.

Processing

Punctures, cuts, and needle stick injuries are among the most common injuries that handlers experience in the processing phase. These can happen when:

• clipping teeth
• giving shots
• cutting tails
• ear notching/tattooing
• castrating

Workers in large sow complexes may wind up processing several hundred pigs in one day. This requires handlers to remain focused and attentive. Fatigue increases a handler’s chances for injury. Encourage your employees to take advantage of scheduled breaks to avoid becoming overtired and to help them stay focused. See Repetive Motion and Injection Injuries pages to learn more about avoiding those types of injuries.

Inoculating Pigs

Inoculating or injecting sows in stalls often leads to hand injuries. These occur when a worker reaches into the crate and the sow jumps and catches the person’s hand between the crate and her body. A worker’s hand or fingers could get crushed without warning. (Note: Hand injuries may also occur in other phases of pork production. In one instance, a producer was loading out market hogs. A pig charged the gate he was holding, and the pig’s head caught his finger and took off the end down to the first knuckle. So it’s important for workers to be aware of potential hand injuries any time they are working with the animals.)

Note: Workers whose duties involve giving injections to the animals – or administering medication at any time – should be instructed to immediately report any accidental injections of antibiotics or medications to their supervisor. Deaths and severe medical reactions have been reported after accidental injections by humans of certain medications meant for animals. See Injection Injuries.

Natural Breeding

Handling animals during breeding can result in a high number of injuries. Injuries during breeding may occur because:

• The tasks being performed put you in close contact with the pigs.
• The pigs are very large.
• The workspace is tight.

Injuries during this phase of production usually occur when the boar and sow are together. Slippery floor conditions when breeding, due to manure, urine, and semen spillage, may cause the boar to slip. The boar could fall onto the handler. Be sure to keep the pens clean and dry. Some producers use a floor covering to minimize slippage. Also, handlers must make sure they are always aware of their position in relation to the animals. They should position themselves behind the pigs and keep a safe distance. (See the section entitled Slips, Trips and Falls for more information on preventing slips and falls.)

In addition to a slippery floor, a boar may have trouble locking up with a sow. The boar may fall off and injure a worker, if he or she is standing too close.

Boars at times may become aggressive. These times include:

• When a boar is having trouble mounting a sow.
• After the boar dismounts the sow.
• If the boar is in close proximity to another boar.
• When the boar becomes protective of the sow.

Safe practices when in the proximity of breeding animals:

• Use sorting panels.
• Have an escape route if it becomes necessary to quickly get out of the area.
• Never position oneself between the boar and sow.
• Make sure the tusks on the boar are removed.

Safe practices when removing a dead breeding animal:

• Occasionally breeding animals will die in a pen or stall.
• A dead animal should be removed as soon as possible. It is increasingly difficult to remove the animal the longer the time period between death and removal.
• Be careful not to strain or pull your muscles.
• Use a mechanical device such as a hog cart or hand truck to help with the removal.
• If a mechanical device is not available, use a humane snare or rope to remove the dead animal.
• Workers should not attempt to remove a dead animal by themselves. Encourage them to recruit fellow workers to assist them in this difficult task.

Encourage your workers to remember these safety tips to prevent injuries during the breeding process:

• Keep pens clean and dry.
• Be aware of your position in the pen and have an escape route.
• Use cutting boards to move animals and protect yourself.
• Be extremely cautious when working around boars.
• Use a mechanical device to remove dead breeding stock.

Artificial Insemination (AI) Breeding

Handling animals during artificial insemination can also be very hazardous. Injuries can result because:

• The tasks being performed put you in close contact with the breeding stock.
• The animals are very large.
• The workspace is tight.

Injuries during this phase of production can occur when the boar is introduced to the mount and during the collection process. Slippery floor conditions when breeding, due to manure, urine, and semen spillage, may cause the boar to slip. The boar could fall onto the handler. Be sure to keep the pens clean and dry. Some producers use a floor covering to minimize slippage. Also, handlers must make sure they are always aware of their position in relation to the animals. They should position themselves behind the pigs and keep a safe distance. (See the section Slips, Trips and Falls for more information on preventing slips and falls.)

In addition to a slippery floor, a boar may have trouble with the mount. The boar may fall off and injure a worker, if he or she is standing too close.

Boars at times may become aggressive. These times include:

• When a boar is having trouble with the process.
• After the boar dismounts.
• If the boar is in close proximity to another boar.
• When the boar becomes instinctively protective.

Safe AI practices when working with boars:

• Use sorting panels.
• Have an escape route if it becomes necessary to quickly get out of the area.
• Don’t work from a sitting position or with both knees on the ground.
• Make sure the tusks on the boar are removed.

Injuries can also occur during the artificial insemination of the sow.

To stimulate the sow, workers will press or lean on the back of a sow. The worker will then insert the AI rod into the sow. Because these things are done when the sow is in the farrowing crate, it is very important for the worker to be aware of the sow’s movements and his or her hands in relation to gates. If the sow jumps and catches a worker’s hand between the crate and her body, the worker’s hand or fingers could get crushed without warning.

Safe practices when removing a dead breeding animal:

• Occasionally breeding animals will die in a pen or stall.
• A dead animal should be removed as soon as possible. It is increasingly difficult to remove the animal the longer the time period between death and removal.
• Be careful not to strain or pull your muscles.
• Use a mechanical device such as a hog cart or hand truck to help with the removal.
• If a mechanical device is not available, use a humane snare or rope to remove the dead animal.
• Workers should not attempt to remove a dead animal by themselves. Encourage them to recruit fellow workers to assist them in this difficult task.

Encourage your workers to remember these safety tips to prevent injuries during the AI process:

• Keep pens clean and dry.
• Be aware of your position in the pen and have an escape route.
• Be aware of a sow’s movements and your hands in relation to gates.
• Use sorting boards to move animals and protect yourself.
• Be extremely cautious when working around boars.
• Use a mechanical device to remove dead breeding stock.

Weaning

Workers should:

• Be cautious when moving the sows to the breeding area, because they can become stressed.
• Strive to reduce the risk of injuries such as back and neck strain or slips and falls, which are common at this time.
• Take advantage of herding instincts and move animals in small, manageable groups. Groups move better by pushing the leader, rather than pushing the whole group from behind.

Encourage your workers to remember these safety tips to prevent injuries while lifting pigs:

• Get assistance where possible.
• When lifting alone, position yourself parallel to the pig you are lifting. Then secure your grip on the outside leg and use the second hand on the other leg. Use the front legs of the pig to help support some of the weight until the pig is in a vertical position
• Remember when lifting a pig this way to make sure the pig’s head is positioned so it cannot bring its head back into your face.

(See the sections Slips, Trips and Falls and Lifting for more information.)

In the Nursery

Lifting the larger pigs in the nursery and moving them from pen to pen exposes workers to back injury risk. This risk of injury increases as the pigs get older and heavier. Workers should always perform proper lifting techniques to prevent back injuries. A proper lifting technique includes the following steps:

• Position yourself parallel to the pig you are lifting.
• Secure your grip on the outside leg with the hand you are using to lift, and use the second hand on the other leg if the pig is heavy.
• Use the front legs of the pig to help support some of the weight until the pig is in a vertical position. Then lift the pig straight up to clear any gates.
• Lift the pig with your legs and arms, NOT with your back.

(See the Lifting section for more on safe lifting procedures.)

In the Finisher

Pigs leaving the finisher will average about 260 pounds. The process of loading and unloading them can result in human and animal injury if appropriate techniques are not used. The pigs will most likely weigh more than the handler. Workers need to realize the strength and agility pigs possess. It’s a VERY bad idea for a worker to challenge a pig when it is trying to get past them. Workers should not attempt to move or stop an animal with their knees.

Workers should use a sorting board to move and direct the pigs. All workers should be aware of the location of their co-workers, and work together to move the animals.

• There are several kinds of sorting devices; see PQA for a description of sorting tools.

To use a sorting panel properly, workers should:

• Keep the panel in front and away from their body, especially their knees.
• Use the ground or floor to anchor the panel -- not their knee.

Loading and unloading trucks makes for a stressful time. Workers should remain calm, and only load small groups at one time. The more stress the pig goes through, the harder it will be to handle.

To ensure safe and effective animal handling, workers should:

• Know how to properly use sorting panels and other sorting devices,
• Be sure to use them whenever they move pigs, and
• Resist the urge to move too may pigs at one time.

During All Stages of Pork Production

Workers should also be concerned with zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that can be transmitted between humans and animals. Included among the diseases which may occur from exposure to zoonotic agents in swine are: brucellosis, erysipeloid, streptococcus suis meningitis, ascariasis, swine influenza, scabies, ringworm, leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonellosis, trichinosis, and cysticercosis. [make links to all these zoonotic diseases. Find the sources that have easy to understand information. This section above appears to have been taken from the Langley article that was cited by NPB earlier. Might want to state that here. http://mark.asci.ncsu.edu/HealthyHogs/book1995/langley.htm

A hog producer can contract zoonotic illnesses by being bitten by the animal, handling an infected animal or disposing of infected tissues.

• To reduce exposure to disease, use basic hygiene and sanitation practices, which include:
o Prompt treating or disposal of infected animals,
o Adequate disposal of infected tissues,
o Proper cleaning of contaminated sites, and
o Proper use of personal protective equipment.
o Because some organisms can enter the body through eyes and open wounds, use eye protection and gloves when necessary.

FAQs

Veterinary Zoonotic Diseases (from About.com)