Farm Animal Care Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Heat stress — Install fans, misters, or shade structures in animal enclosures. Schedule handling and transportation activities during cooler parts of the day. Ensure a continuous supply of fresh water for animals, monitoring for dehydration symptoms and providing electrolyte supplementation when necessary.
• Heavy lifting injuries — Train workers in proper lifting techniques and provide lifting aids such as hoists and wheelbarrows. Ensure heavy loads are stored at accessible heights to minimize strain.
• Biosecurity breaches — Establish controlled access points to limit farm visitors and require disinfection procedures before entering animal areas. Quarantine new arrivals for observation before integrating them with existing livestock. Regularly clean and disinfect all housing areas and equipment.
• Animal escapes — Conduct routine inspections of fencing, gates, and enclosures for damage or wear. Train staff on proper procedures for capturing escaped animals safely. Use visual barriers where necessary to reduce the likelihood of animals attempting to breach enclosures.
• Animal handling injuries — Train all staff in proper animal handling techniques, including how to approach, restrain, and move animals safely. Use appropriate PPE such as gloves and boots. Implement a buddy system for handling large animals and provide designated handling areas with secure gates and non-slip flooring.