Working with large animals: horses, cattle, emu, llama, ostrich, etc.


This guideline poster from the North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks Collection helps farmers make the decision as to whether a particular child can care for large animals. It provides special, clear considerations for training, supervision, and physical capabilities of a child.

Adult responsibilities

Older child feeding grain to cows

ADULTS NEED TO MAKE SURE:

  • Ventilation system is working before the child enters a closed building
  • All guards and shields are in place on feed conveyor system
  • Work area has no hazards
  • Child knows an escape route
  • Animals have no disease
  • Child has been fitted for a respirator and shown how to use it
  • Child changes outer clothing and washes hands after job

 

 

Main Hazards

Cow stepping on foot graphicfreewight graphichand caught in conveyor
Animal
movement
kicks and
bites can
cause injury
Weight of
feed
can strain
muscles
Moving parts
of conveyor
can entangle
fingers, hands,
hair and clothing

Remember

duststeel toed boot graphicrespirator graphic
Good
handwashing
Steel-toed
shoes with
non-skid soles
Respirator as
needed
 

Can your child do this job?

ABILITY

Is the child comfortable around large animals?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children who are uncomfortable around animals are more likely to be injured.

Does the feed the child will lift weigh less than 10-15% of the child's body weight?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children lifting more than 15% of their body weight are more likely to injure their backs.

Can the child easily push up to 10-15% of his or her body weight?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children who have to strain to push heavy objects are more likely to injure their backs.

If a cart is used for the conveyor system, can the child maneuver it? For example, can the child move a grocery cart through the store?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children who can't handle the cart are more likely to be injured.

Does the child have good peripheral vision? For example, while looking straight ahead, can the child see our finger entering his or her field of vision at shoulder level?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children with limited vision may not see dangers in the work area.

Can the child react quickly?
Yes.
No. STOP! Because cattle behave unpredictably, children need quick reactions to avoid injury.

Can the child recognize a hazard and solve the problem without getting upset?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children must be able to recognize hazards, think about how to respond, and stay calm to prevent injury.

Does the child usually go with his or her "gut" feeling without thinking too much about what could happen next?
Yes. CAUTION! Children who act on impulse need close supervision.
No.

Is your child responsible? Do you trust your child to do what's expected without anyone checking?
Yes.
No. CAUTION! Children who behave irresponsibly need close supervision.

 

TRAINING

Has the child been trained on animal behavior?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children who don't understand animal behavior are more likely to be injured.

Has the child been trained on lifting techniques?
Yes.
No. STOP! Lifting incorrectly can cauuse back injury.

Has an adult demonstrated working with large animals on site?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children learn best when shown how to do the job at the worksite.

Has the child shown he or she can do the job safely 4 to 5 times under close supervision?
Yes.
No. CAUTION! An adult must watch constantly until the child shows he or she can do the job.

 

SUPERVISION

Can an adult supervise as recommended?
Yes.
No. STOP! The right level of supervision is key to preventing injuries.

 

Supervision

What's the right amount? Here are suggestions- but remember, it depends on the child.

Feeding animals using a feed cart:

Age 12-13: WATCH nearly constantly.

Age 14-15: CHECK every few minutes at first. When the child shows he or she can do the job, LEAVE for 15 to 30 minutes.

Feeding animals using a feed conveyor system:

Age 14-15: WATCH nearly constantly.

Age 16+: CHECK every few minutes.

Confinement tasks:

Age 14-15: WATCH constantly at first. When the child shows he or she can do the job, CHECK every few minutes.

Age 16+: CHECK every few minutes at first. When the child shows he or she can do the job, LEAVE for 15 to 30 minutes.


North american guidelines logo

North American Guidelines
for Children's Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT)

For more information, visit: http://www.nagcat.org

National children's center logo

National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety Marshfield Clinic
1000 North Oak Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449-5790
Phone: 1-800-662-6900 or 715-389-4999
Fax: 715-389-4996

national farm medicine logo

National Farm Medicine Center
Marshfield Clinic
1000 North Oak Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449-5790
Phone: 1.800.662.6900 or 715.389.4999
Fax: 715.389.3535


Disclaimer and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More

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