Stay Alert To Remain Safe Around Livestock

Safety News
Making California Workplaces Safer
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a n d
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i n
A G R I C U L T U R E
Stay Alert To Remain Safe
Around Livestock
No Strain–
All Gain
Each year, on farms and ranches, injuries and
deaths occurs to those who work around livestock.
Injuries and illnesses also involve the facilities, tools,
and supplies used in livestock care. If workers are
trained to recognize hazards, wear proper protective equipment, follow safe handling techniques, and
practice good housekeeping, they
may prevent painful incidents
which result in lost time, money,
and productivity.
Strains and sprains are serious business.
They account for a major share of injuries
and resulting costs in agricultural activities.
These injuries are often caused by lifting,
pushing, twisting, prolonged bending or
overreaching and usually affect the back,
shoulders, and arms. Although it may only
take a moment to cause a strain or sprain injury, it can take many painful days or months
– and costly dollars – to heal. One way to
prevent or reduce these injuries is through
worker education and training.
Although there are special handling and safety considerations
for different livestock, most
animals have common instinctive
behaviors. Respect those instincts
by announcing your presence
when approaching an animal.
Most livestock are large enough to cause serious
injury if provoked or handled improperly. Many
animals are comfortable with routine, but can be
dangerous and unpredictable if startled or spooked
by loud noises or quick movements. Livestock are
not generally violent but they are territorial with a
natural tendency to protect their young or become
aggressive in mating seasons. Keep that in mind and
always leave yourself an escape route when working
with livestock, especially in close quarters.
Make sure to wear the proper personal protective
equipment when working with or around livestock.
Good safety shoes or boots protect your feet from
powerful hooves and equipment. Skid resistant soles
provide better footing to prevent slips and falls on
wet, muddy or manure-covered surfaces. Sturdy
leather gloves protect hands against cuts and scrapes,
but disposable rubber gloves are best for treating
or birthing animals. And, safety goggles protect eyes
from dust, chaff, chemicals or flying particles common in livestock operations.
Many livestock handling injuries
are directly related to equipment
or building structures. So, flooring
should be roughened, impervious
concrete that is slanted or grooved
for drainage and regularly cleaned.
Lighting in livestock areas should
be evenly diffused; shadows and
light changes can excite or spook
animals, particularly in crowded
loading areas. When moving cattle into a constrained
space, give them time to adjust to the lighting and
new environment.
Proper ventilation is imperative for the health of
animal handlers. Livestock can generate airborne
contaminants, including gases, odor, dust, and
microbes. Appropriate respirators should be worn
when cleaning livestock facilities, handling hay or
feed, and when working in confined spaces such
as manure pits (which should be secured against
unauthorized entry) or in silos. Make sure that all
your workers are trained in any hazards they may encounter in livestock operations and that they always
treat animals with cautious respect. q
Training workers in proper lifting techniques
and working postures should be an important component of the Injury and Illness and
Prevention Program. From the first day on
the job, instruct workers to practice proper
lifting techniques. Poor material handling
methods, such as lifting things that weigh too
much or lifting incorrectly, account for many
strains and sprains. Before lifting, workers need to consider the weight, size, and
shape of the load. Even with proper lifting
techniques there are limits to the weight and
amount of materials that a person can safely
carry. If they’re not sure they can handle the
load, they should know to get help from another worker or break it down into smaller
parts. If they can’t break it down, have
mechanical assist devices available for use.
Continued on next page
ISSUE TWO, 2010
Feature Articles
Stay Alert To Remain Safe
Around Livestock
No Strain – All Gain
From Our Expert –
Drink…Drink…Drink…Water, That Is
In Each Issue
Safety Topic – Prevent Heat Illness
Reporting Injuries
Stay Alert To Fatigue
Employer Education Series
S a f e t y
N e w s S t a t e
C o m p e n s a t i o n
I n s u r a n c e
F u n d I s s u e
T w o,
2 0 1 0
FROM OUR EXPERT
Drink… Drink… Drink… Water, That Is
loss occurs in all environments – cold, mild,
and hot. Drinking plenty of water throughout
the day, even when there is a lack of thirst,
replaces lost fluids.
The body is designed to maintain an internal
temperature of approximately 98.6°F. The body
releases excessive heat by circulating blood to
the capillaries in the upper layers of the skin
thus increasing heat transfer and perspiration. When the body heats up faster than it can
cool itself down, mild to severe heat-related
illnesses may develop.
N
o matter what the time of year; no
matter what the temperature; no matter where you live or work – indoors
or outdoors – staying hydrated is important to
overall health and performance.
Dehydration occurs when the body takes in
substantially less fluid than what is lost through
its normal body processes. The body is nearly
60% water by weight; the loss of just 2.5 liters
(0.66 gallons) per day can adversely affect it,
if not replaced. This natural process of fluid
Heat stress occurs when the body is unable
to release heat and cool itself. According to
the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH), when air temperature is equal
to or warmer than the skin, blood brought to
the skin’s surface cannot efficiently release
heat. The body’s main cooling mechanism is
the evaporation of perspiration (or sweat) and
if evaporation cannot occur, the body is unable
to rid itself of excess heat and this natural
cooling process becomes impaired. If the body
cannot release excess heat, it stores it and this
increases the body’s core temperature and
heart rate. Prolonged heat stress can lead
to death.
Increased air temperature, high humidity,
radiant heat, and minimal air circulation can
increase the risk of developing heat-related
illnesses. Other risk factors include: increased
age; body weight/body build; level of physical
fitness; lack of acclimatization; poor nutrition;
fatigue; alcohol or drug use; certain medical
conditions, such as diabetes; wearing personal
protective equipment (PPE), such as nonbreathable protective clothing, hoods, and/or
respirators, as they can increase workload
and/or restrict movement; and, inadequate
water/fluid replacement.
For more information on preventing heat
stress, go to http://www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/
HeatIllnessInfo.html. ❑
R.J. Banks, MS, CIE is the Senior Ergonomist
for State Fund.
No Strain – All Gain continued from page 1
Make sure workers know how to carry the load
correctly. Strains and sprains can occur from even
moderate loads if they’re handled in awkward positions. Train workers to carry a load close to their
bodies. When carrying a load, they should know to
avoid bending or twisting.
You also want your workers to avoid awkward
positions and overreaching. Working for long periods of time in an awkward, bent-over or twisted
position can strain or sprain body parts. Because
strain increases in proportion to the distance of
the work from the body, workers should try to
keep as close to the work area as possible. There’s
less strain on the body if the work is positioned
between the shoulders and waist, with a waist
high level being the most neutral and comfortable.
Workers may need to raise or lower the work or
themselves for better positioning.
Finally, let workers know that they have a personal
responsibility to follow all safety guidelines and
to keep themselves physically fit. Remind them to
take care of their bodies by exercising and eating
well. If their muscles or ligaments have weakened
over time from lack of exercise or age, they’re
more likely to get a strain or sprain than if they’re
physically fit.
If workers understand why it’s in their best interest
to practice correct lifting techniques and working
postures and how an injury can negatively impact
their quality of life, they may become more conscious of practicing those techniques and postures
to avoid needless injuries. ❑
S a f e t y
N e w s
S t a t e
C o m p e n s a t i o n
I n s u r a n c e
F u n d
Safety Topic / Temas de Seguridad
Prevent Heat Illness
Exposure to high temperatures for long periods of time
can increase the chance of illnesses such as sunburn,
heat exhaustion, heat stroke or heat cramps. These
illnesses can range from mild to severe and sometimes
can result in death. Workers who are obese, pregnant,
older or on certain medications are at greater risk for
heat-related illness. Knowing what to do to prepare for
and prevent these heat-related illnesses is better than
having to treat them.
To work comfortably and avoid getting overheated,
make sure you’re dressed for the warm outdoor
weather. Wear a hat, appropriate loose-weave cotton
clothing, and other lightweight protective gear. Protect
your skin and eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays by
using sunscreen and wearing sunglasses.
Know where drinking water or other cool drinks are
located. Drink about two glasses of water before beginning work and continue to drink water during and
afterward work to replace fluids you’ll lose through
I s s u e
T w o,
2 0 1 0
Topic Review/
Revisión Del Tema
Instructor _________________________
sweating. Increase your intake of fluids (one to two
quarts per hour) during high temperatures, especially
when temperatures are above 100 degrees Fahrenheit
and during periods of unusually high humidity. Drinking alcohol only adds to dehydration and increases
your risk of a heat-related illness.
Stay alert for early symptoms of excessive exposure to
heat and let your supervisor know if you’re feeling ill,
weak or faint. Make sure there are other qualified persons available who can recognize and give you first aid
if you do become ill. Know how to respond or quickly
contact medical help if you notice coworkers showing
signs of heat illness.
Check the day’s temperatures and manage your work
activities accordingly – take your rest breaks in shaded
areas, rotate tasks, do your heavy work in cooler
hours, and postpone non-essential tasks during
heat spells. ❑
Date / Fecha_______________________
Location / Ubicación_________________
Attended by / Asistente(s)
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Prevención de enfermedades
causadas con el calor
La exposición a altas temperaturas durante períodos
largos de tiempo puede aumentar la probabilidad de
contraer enfermedades tales como quemaduras de la
piel por el sol, agotamiento por el calor, insolación
o calambres causados por el calor. Estas enfermedades pueden abarcar desde menores hasta graves
y en ciertos casos pueden resultar en la muerte. Los
trabajadores que estén obesos, embarazadas, de
mayor edad o tomando ciertos medicamentos corren
mayores riesgos de contraer enfermedades relacionadas con el calor. El conocer lo que se debe hacer para
prepararse y prevenir estas enfermedades relacionadas con el calor es mejor que el tener que tratarlas.
Para trabajar cómodamente y evitar el exceso de calor
en el cuerpo, asegúrese de vestirse correctamente
para el calor a la intemperie. Use un sombrero,
ropa ligera de algodón apropiada y otros equipos de
protección de peso ligero. Protéjase la piel y los ojos
contra los rayos ultravioleta del sol usando lociones
contra el sol y anteojos para el sol.
Sepa dónde están el agua potable y otras bebidas frías.
Beba aproximadamente dos vasos de agua antes de
comenzar el trabajo y continúe bebiendo agua durante
su trabajo y después de terminarlo para reemplazar los fluidos que se pierden al sudar. Aumente su
consumo de líquidos (uno a dos litros por hora) en
temperaturas altas, especialmente cuando la temperatura exceda los 100 grados Fahrenheit y durante
períodos de muy alta humedad. El beber alcohol sólo
contribuye a la deshidratación y aumenta el riesgo de
contraer enfermedades causadas por el calor.
Manténgase alerta a los síntomas iniciales de exposición excesiva al calor y avísele a su supervisor si se
siente enfermo, débil o se desmaya. Asegúrese de que
haya otras personas calificadas que puedan reconocer y brindarle primeros auxilios si usted se enferma. Sepa cómo responder u obtener rápidamente asistencia médica si usted observa indicios de enfermedad
por el calor en algún compañero de trabajo.
Revise la temperatura del día y administre las actividades de trabajo según la temperatura – teniendo
períodos de descanso en áreas sombreadas; alternando las tareas; programando los trabajos pesados
en las horas más frescas y posponiendo las tareas no
esenciales durante las temperaturas pico. ❑ ❑
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Safety Recommendations /
Recomendaciones de seguridad
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Safety News
News About Occupational Safety and Health in
ISSUE TWO
2010
A G R I C U LT U R E
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Zip Code 92887
Loss Control Services
P.O. BOX 420807
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94142-0807
Please forward to the person responsible for your safety program
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This Newsletter
Stay Alert To Fatigue
Employer Education Series
Fatigue is a contributing factor in many on-the-job
accidents and injuries. It can impair concentration,
alertness, judgment, work performance and affect
reaction time, manual dexterity, and decision-making.
Stay alert to mental and physical fatigue on the job.
Take action to prevent fatigue from interfering with
your job performance and your safety.
State Fund continues to promote community educational outreach by increasing the quantity and frequency of employer seminars. These seminars are produced and sponsored by State Fund and are open to State Fund policyholders.
The seminar topics cover all aspects of worker’s compensation and are offered statewide.
Fatigue is primarily the result of inadequate sleep or
insufficient rest, but other factors include individual
fitness; repeated or cumulative stress (mental burnout); environmental conditions such as heat, cold,
vibration, or altitude; task endurance or monotony;
and the time of day or night the activity takes place.
The goal of State Fund’s Employer Education Series is to present valuable information from recognized safety and
health experts to enable employers to reduce the frequency and severity of workplace injuries, facilitate regulatory
compliance, and increase business profits.
The most important factor in preventing fatigue is to
get adequate sleep and sufficient rest.
Reporting Work-Related Injuries
Make sure you’ve had adequate sleep and rest before
you make critical decisions, drive vehicles, operate
machinery, or manipulate controls.
Stay alert and recognize early signs of fatigue such as
a lapse in concentration or focus or slowed reaction
times and movements. Since dehydration increases
the effect of fatigue, drink plenty of non-caffeinated
liquids throughout your work shift and take scheduled
rest breaks. q
As part of State Fund’s Employer Education Series, the local State Fund Loss Control departments offer safety seminars
dedicated to loss prevention. They feature safety training targeted to specific industries and safety topics of interest to
California employers. Various programs in the series are developed in conjunction with State Fund insured GroupPrograms and external affiliates and partners. Some of these partners are occupational safety and health providers such as
Cal/OSHA Consultation Service, the Department of Health Services, and the University of California.
The program venues provide the opportunity for attendees to have their workplace safety questions immediately and
personally answered by industry experts. The typically half-day seminars are usually held at regional State Fund offices.
To learn what programs are scheduled in your area, visit www.scif.com and click on Seminars. q
State Fund’s Claims Reporting Center (1-888-222-3211) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for policyholders
to report injuries as soon as they occur. Agents will do the necessary paperwork to get the claim started and refer the
injured to the designated physician or provider.
Within 8 hours of any serious illness or injury (requiring hospitalization over 24 hours, other than for medical observation or where there is permanent employee disfiguration) or death occurring in the workplace or in connection with
employment, employers must report the incident to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. q
This Agricultural Safety News is produced by the Safety and Health Services Department of State Fund to assist clients in their loss control efforts. Information or
recommendations contained in this publication were obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the date of publication. Information is only advisory and does not
presume to be exhaustive or inclusive of all workplace hazards or situations. Permission to reprint articles subject to approval by State Compensation Insurance Fund.
Published by State Compensation Insurance Fund’s Safety and Health Services Department. Editor: Judy Kerry
© State Compensation Insurance Fund 2010
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