There is often a lot of conversation regarding loading cattle from the cattle perspective, and this is certainly important information to consider, but it is also important to keep the safety of the animal handlers top of mind as well.

Every workplace in Ontario is required to develop and implement a workplace violence and harassment prevention program that contains the various elements set out in Part III.0.1 of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) “Violence and Harassment”.

Now that you have discussed your dairy’s commitment to health and safety with your farm team and set up your health and safety board, the next step in the process toward developing a solid health and safety program on your dairy is to identify the tasks that pose the highest risk hazards to your team and then develop a safe operating procedure that you can use to train your team on how to conduct the task safely.

Having a well-thought-out dairy farm safety program is an undervalued asset to any operation. Not having one in place can result in injuries or illness. It can also have a negative impact on mental wellness and the financial bottom line when something goes terribly wrong on the dairy.

Winter is part of the Canadian experience. Ensure that you have the proper clothing, footwear and attire to provide you warmth and protection from the elements. When operating a vehicle or farm equipment, always ensure that you check the weather and inspect your equipment before you leave and know when it is better to just stay home.

Working around cattle can be very dangerous if safe work procedures are not followed. Animal-related injuries can be due to distraction, impatience or frustration by the animal or the handler. It is important to know the risks and practice safety when working with cattle. Anyone working in the barn or around cattle must be trained and supervised to ensure they understand the safety practices required.

Proper fall protection and ladder safety are necessary to prevent serious injuries on the farm.