Ergonomic risks for employees working with animals are much the same as any other job tasks but can potentially be more damaging because of the nature of the work and unpredictability of animals. Ergonomics in any task deals with reducing or eliminating exposure to injury risk factors by designing tools, equipment, workstations and processes to meet the capabilities of humans. Working with animals, although very different from other tasks such as manual materials handling, needs proper consideration of ergonomics and the implementation of necessary ergonomic controls. Whether with an administrative control such as job rotation or the implementation of an engineering control to reduce or eliminate exposure to ergonomic risk altogether such as the implementation of a height adjustable table or hoist, additional focus and consideration of ergonomics when working with animals of all types should be given.

To ensure workplace ergonomic hazards are identified an Ergonomic Evaluation or assessment of the workplace or job tasks is recommended.