Sharps play a critical role in agriculture, ranging from standard tools such as syringes and implant needles to ear taggers, tattoo instruments and even pocketknives. While these play a critical role in livestock care by delivering vaccines, administering growth hormones or performing routine procedures, they also pose serious risks.
Dr. Aaron Yoder, associate professor at University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, says needlestick injuries, infections and exposure to medications not intended for humans are among the risks for those utilizing these agricultural tools.
“Sharps safety isn’t just about needles,” Yoder says. “It’s about preparation, awareness and planning to keep you out of harm’s way.”
Everyday tools
Ear taggers and tattoo needles may be among the tools producers don’t consider when thinking about sharps safety. Although less hazardous than items such as multidose injection guns, ear taggers and tattoo needles are still capable of causing puncture wounds. In addition to pocketknives, other types of blades frequently encountered on the farm include box cutters and protruding nails or wires on gates and fences.
“The core focus remains on veterinary supplies,” Yoder says. “But, by recognizing the risks of these everyday tools, producers can build comprehensive safety protocols.”
When working cattle or any livestock, the margin for error is slim.
“Restraining animals effectively is key to safely processing them,” Yoder says. “A well-designed chute is ideal for minimizing sudden movements that could lead to accidental sticks. In field settings, we don’t always have that perfect setup. That’s when prioritizing low-stress handling to keep animals and handlers calm will greatly improve safety. Calm animals mean calm handlers and reducing the chance of bumping into sharps.”
Yoder notes that training tops the list of preparation activities to ensure everyone involved in sharps activities is aware of the risks and best practices for working safely.
“Being aware and having a plan [for when] you’re going to inject or cut can make all the difference,” he says.
To prepare for working cattle in any setting, Yoder recommends mapping injection sites and incision locations if scalpels will be used. Assessing and identifying the safest position for handlers also lessens the potential for injury.
Before use, sharps require secure, user-friendly storage to encourage compliance.
“Retain the original packaging with the guards, shields and caps until the moment of use,” Yoder says. “For self-injectors with locking mechanisms, don’t unlock them prematurely. Use affordable, easy-to-access storage bins. If they’re overly cumbersome, it tempts users to take shortcuts.”
Store all sharps out of reach of children, unauthorized workers or wildlife, just as you would store chemicals. Labeling sharps is nonnegotiable. Every product should be marked clearly to include expiration dates and hazards.
“Keep things in original packages, labeled and secure,” Yoder stresses. “This ensures only trained users handle them, reducing misuse risks. Use the right tools. Select appropriately sized needles for smooth insertion. If the needles are too big, there’s more resistance and an increased risk. Never recap needles by hand. It’s a leading cause of injuries. Opt for flip-back caps that secure without alignment, especially when you’re wearing gloves in cold weather or working in low light.”
Having the proper tools available during procedures, such as vaccinations, reduces the risk of fumbling during the procedure. If working in cold weather, select thin, dexterous gloves such as snug mechanic or ski types that allow easy handling without bulk, ensuring the sharps remain manageable.
When using one-handed syringe techniques, keep the nondominant hand clear of the sharp path. Always keep sharps pointed away from the handler’s torso and limbs.
“Fieldwork is where convenience clashes with safety,” Yoder says. “Sticking used needles in a shirt or coat pocket feels quick, but it’s a recipe for drops or self-sticks, especially when you’re in a rush.”
Begin use of veterinary sharps by keeping syringes in their original packaging (with guards, shields and caps) for as long as possible to maintain their built-in safety features. Unlock or remove protections only at the moment of use – for example, with self-injectable devices that use locking mechanisms. This preserves accessibility while minimizing exposure.
User-friendly containers, such as plastic or hard-sided boxes that are easy to get into and out of, help avoid frustration. Small, portable boxes such as fishing tackle boxes are suitable for field transport.
“Use official storage containers whenever they’re available,” Yoder says. “Keep in mind, that if storage makes sharps harder to access, workers are less likely to use those safety measures. The goal is secure yet practical setups that promote compliance.”
During transport, whether it’s to the field or between fields or buildings, use hard-sided containers to keep sharps away from the body and prevent accidental punctures. Using appropriate containers ensures the sharps are accessible without risking drops or sticks, especially in hurried or rough conditions. These types of containers also prevent sharps from shifting during vehicle rides or walks.
Proper disposal of used sharps prevents long-term hazards and protects the farm, community and environment. Most veterinary packages include instructions, but if that’s not available, consult your vet or local extension office for information and resources.
“Red, puncture-proof bins are the gold standard,” Yoder says. “Fill these containers to three-fourths capacity and seal them. Please don’t dispose of them in regular trash receptacles. You never know where that’s going to end up. You don’t want animals or people to step on it. Incinerating sharps is not an option. They don’t completely burn.”
When official sharps containers are full, veterinarians, medical facilities or county health departments often accept them and properly dispose of them. Rural producers are encouraged to check products for mail-back programs.
“When necessary, veterinarian offices or extension offices, which are often colocated with public health services, can point you to the right resources,” Yoder says.
Just an accident
Even with precautions, accidents happen, especially in field environments.
“If a wound is incurred, stop and assess it,” Yoder says. “Clean the wound immediately with soap and water. Understand the exposure. What are the risks associated with the product involved in the puncture? Review product labels for potential adverse effects, such as anaphylaxis or chemical reactions.”
Seek care promptly. Depending on the circumstances, call telemedicine or visit a physician for evaluation. Tetanus boosters are often needed due to farm contaminants.
“We stress not working alone when handling these types of products,” Yoder says. “At the least, have someone nearby who can respond if accidental exposure results in loss of consciousness or other debilitating consequences.”
Having veterinary, health care providers and emergency phone numbers in a cellphone so they’re easily accessible can help with an appropriate response to this kind of emergency. Having a printed sheet in the sharps first-aid kit provides a valuable backup resource.
“Anytime you’re unsure about exposure, get checked out,” Yoder advises. “A stick without medication can still lead to infection.”
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) enhances safety without sacrificing dexterity. The use of thin, warm gloves, such as those used by mechanics or skiers, helps handlers stay warm while reducing injury potential. Stick-proof or cut-resistant models are also an option. Avoid ill-fitting, bulky gloves that hinder control.
“Leather aprons or Kevlar chaps aren’t stick-proof,” Yoder says. “But they do slow penetration if a stick occurs. Eye and face shields guard against sprays from injections. Make sure all the gear fits properly and isn’t deteriorated. Plastics and leathers both degrade over time.”
Some technological advancements in veterinary products, such as retractable needles or high-pressure air or fluid delivery, are gaining market share. However, they come with their own set of safety risks.
“Prepare, protect and plan,” Yoder says. “From field transport to emergency response, these steps turn potential pitfalls into routine safeguards. Training, a standard process and keeping animals calm cover most of it.”
