Animal Handling
Animal handling at CSU presents unique ergonomic challenges due to the unpredictability of animal behavior and the physical demands placed on employees. Tasks such as lifting, restraining, administering treatments, and using specialized equipment often require forceful exertion, including heavy lifting and strong grip forces. These activities, combined with awkward postures and repetitive or sustained motions, significantly increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Effective ergonomics in animal handling goes beyond injury prevention—it enhances safety, efficiency, and animal well-being. Implementing best practices, proper equipment, and ergonomic controls such as job rotation, height-adjustable tables, or mechanical hoists can help reduce risk. Given the distinct demands of working with animals, ergonomic evaluations or workplace assessments are recommended to identify and mitigate hazards effectively.
To ensure workplace ergonomic hazards are identified an Ergonomic Evaluation or assessment of the workplace or job tasks is recommended.
General Ergonomic Principles
- Proper Posture: Always maintain a neutral spine to avoid overstraining the back.
- Optimal Work Height: Design work surfaces and platforms at or near waist height to reduce bending and twisting.
- Environmental Layout: Ensure that work areas are well-lit, free from clutter, and arranged to minimize awkward postures such as unnecessary reaching or back bending.
- Regular Breaks & Stretching: Incorporate short breaks and stretches into your routine.
Working at the Correct Height
Working at waist level is crucial for maintaining a balanced posture and reducing the load on your back and shoulders. An ergonomically designed workstation minimizes the need for bending or reaching, particularly during repetitive tasks.
Recommendations
- Use carts and tables with adjustable heights.
- Use devices such as height-adjustable cages that bring the work surface to an optimal level.
- Match cart/table height to destination surfaces (e.g., cages, surgery tables). Emphasize lateral transfers whenever possible.
- Consider platforms or step stools for tasks that require a change in elevation.
Patient Transfers
Transferring animals safely—whether during routine care or in emergency scenarios—requires planning, proper equipment, and coordinated effort.
Recommendations
- Assess the Animal’s Size and Behavior: Large, unpredictable animals require different techniques than smaller, more manageable ones.
- Use Mechanical Aids: Use slide sheets, transfer boards, or powered lifts for heavy animals.
- Team Lifting: When mechanical aids aren’t available or are infeasible, use team lifting techniques and remember to communicate clearly.
- Maintain Stability: Ensure both the employee and animal are secure before, during, and after the transfer.
Small Animals
Handling small animals can lead to repetitive motions (such as during grooming, examinations, or procedures) that may result in wrist and shoulder strain. Small animals can also be unpredictable, so secure handling is essential.
Recommendations
- Use tables with adjustable heights to suit various procedures and employees of varying stature.
- Train employees to use tables and adjust properly.
- Equip workstations with anti-fatigue mats or non-slip flooring.
- Rotate tasks among team members to prevent overuse injuries.
- Use ergonomic restraint devices that minimize the need for awkward holding positions.
Large Animals
Large animal handling often involves dealing with significant weight, unexpected movements, and confined spaces. These factors can dramatically increase the risk of injury for handlers.
Recommendations
- Use devices specifically designed to handle the weight and bulk of large animals (i.e., mechanical Lifts and hoists).
- Ensure that stalls and wash bays are designed with ergonomic considerations—ample space, proper footing, and adjustable elements.
- Train staff on proper lifting mechanics that leverage the legs rather than the back.
- Emphasize communication and coordinated movement when working with large animals, especially during transfers or medical procedures.
Ergonomic Equipment & Tools
Recommended Equipment
- Adjustable Workstations: Tables, scissors lifts/carts, allowing for variable heights.
- Transfer Aids: Slide sheets, transfer boards, and hydraulic lifts.
- Ergonomic restraint device design that secure animals without excessive force or awkward postures.
- Proper PPE such as gloves, supportive footwear, anti-fatigue shoe inserts.
Training & Continuing Education
- Provide regular hands-on training sessions focusing on correct posture and equipment use.
- Request and ergonomic assessments to identify areas for improvement.
- Ensure educational materials such as flyers, posters, and online resources that illustrate safe practices are provided in high traffic areas for employees to see.
Additional Resources & References
Contact CSU Ergonomics
(970) 491-2724