Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for Animal Handling is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls when working with livestock, domestic animals, or wildlife in Australian workplaces. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of animal handling safety to support robust WHS compliance and risk management on site.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe approach, restraint, and handling techniques for livestock, domestic animals, and wildlife
• Selection, inspection, and use of animal handling equipment such as crushes, races, yards, leads, muzzles, and cages
• Management of animal behaviour risks including aggression, kicking, biting, charging, and flight responses
• Manual handling controls for lifting, moving, and securing animals to prevent musculoskeletal injuries
• Infection control measures for zoonotic diseases, bites, scratches, and exposure to bodily fluids
• Safe loading, unloading, and transport of animals in vehicles, trailers, and floats
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, boots, eye protection, and protective clothing
• Emergency response procedures for escapes, animal attacks, injuries, and animal welfare incidents
• Segregation and separation controls for dangerous, distressed, or quarantined animals
• Hazard management in yards, sheds, pens, paddocks, and holding facilities, including slips, trips, and falls
• Noise, dust, and environmental exposure controls when working in animal handling environments
• Communication, training, and supervision requirements for workers and handlers of varying competency levels
• Safe use of chemicals and veterinary products associated with animal treatment and husbandry

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for farmers, stock handlers, abattoir workers, animal transport operators, veterinary practices, animal shelters, wildlife carers, and site supervisors responsible for managing animal handling activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on the safe use of plant and equipment such as crushes, gates, and loading ramps used in animal handling.
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Requirements and controls for manual handling risks when lifting, restraining, or moving animals.
• Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice: Ensuring workers and handlers are consulted and informed about animal handling risks and controls.
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Standards for safe yards, sheds, and animal handling environments, including amenities and access.
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid provisions for bites, kicks, crush injuries, and other animal-related incidents.
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Handling and Transporting Livestock: Industry guidance on safe livestock handling and transport practices.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017