Wildlife Rehabilitation Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Fire hazards — Install fire alarms, smoke detectors, and sprinklers in animal housing areas. Conduct annual fire safety drills, ensure evacuation plans are visible in all enclosures, and maintain fire extinguishers at key points throughout the facility.
• Injury from syringes and needles — Train all staff in needle safety, including proper handling, disposal, and sharps injury protocols. Use self-retracting syringes where possible. Install puncture-proof sharps disposal containers in every treatment area, with a strict "immediate disposal after use" policy.
• Stress-induced behaviors — Design enclosures that mimic natural habitats with hiding spots, climbing structures, and burrowing areas. Implement low-stress handling techniques and enrichment activities like scent trails, puzzle feeders, and tactile stimuli to encourage natural behaviors.
• Public interaction risks — Limit direct public-animal interaction to supervised, controlled settings. Enforce strict visitor guidelines, requiring PPE when necessary. Train staff to manage crowd control and de-escalate situations where visitors become too close to enclosures. Post clear educational signage regarding wildlife behavior and safety.
• Musculoskeletal injuries from lifting — Train staff in proper lifting mechanics, implement a two-person lift policy for heavy loads, and provide carts or hoists for transport. Rotate physical tasks among staff to prevent overuse injuries.