Farm Animal Care Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Trampling injuries — Establish safe handling areas and train workers in animal behavior to prevent crowding. Use barriers and controlled movement techniques to minimize sudden animal reactions.
• Insect bites and stings — Apply integrated pest management techniques, including insect traps, repellents, and habitat control. Encourage workers to wear protective clothing and apply insect repellent. Maintain good drainage to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed.
• Drowning hazards in troughs or ponds — Install barriers around large water sources and equip troughs with escape ramps. Conduct regular safety inspections and provide staff training on water safety and rescue procedures to reduce risks.
• Cold stress — Provide insulated shelters with windbreaks and deep bedding to retain warmth. Use heating lamps for vulnerable animals such as newborns. Adjust feeding regimes to include higher-energy diets during colder months to help animals maintain body heat.
• Falling hay bales or equipment — Use stable stacking methods and interlocking patterns for hay bales. Limit stacking heights and secure materials during transport. Provide mechanical lifting aids and train workers in proper handling techniques.