What began as a routine visit to a producer’s farm to work cattle turned into near-fatal accident for veterinarian Eric Knock of Miller, S.D. Knock shares his story through tellingthestoryproject.org/eric to help remind others to remain diligent of safety precautions while working with livestock on farms and ranches.
“Most people aren’t tall enough to get hung up like I did,” says 6-foot-8-inch tall Knock. “I’ve since heard of a young North Dakota man who stood on a bucket to get a better angle to treat the cattle and came in contact with the chute as the head gate was released. I’m taller than many people, so that was an element of this incident.”
As Knock leaned in while the chute was released to allow an animal to exit, his head was caught in a pinch point on the chute causing several skull fractures, and injuries to his right eye and eardrum, which later required reconstructive surgery.
“Doctors used words like ‘extensive’ and ‘many.’ None of the fractures were displaced,” Knock says. “If that had happened, the outcome could have been much more serious.”
Even though his physical injuries have healed, Knock has taken lessons learned to keep safety precautions top of mind.
“Everyone at our clinics has always worked with safety in mind,” Knock says. “However, we are all now more vigilant and mindful of the safety risks in our work environment.”
He says he take more time to assess the environment he’s working in before starting a treatment or process.
“I’m more aware of where everyone is while we’re working,” he says. “I pay close attention to pinch points on equipment, so I recognize the hazards to myself and fellow workers. We all know there are dangers when we work around large animals and equipment. This incident has intensified our understanding of what can happen.”
The incident took place in September 2022, and is one of 15 such incidents shared through Telling the Story Project.
The project is a collaboration between three agricultural safety and health centers funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) — the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, and the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety – as well as the National Farm Medicine Center, according to a release.
UC Davis offers these safety reminders when working cattle in a squeeze chute.
- Prior to use, always inspect the livestock squeeze chute for defects or leaks and to assure they are securely attached at connection points.
- Examine and test levers, latches, and moveable chute parts to assure they are not damaged and are functioning properly.
- Tighten loose bolts and nuts. Check hydraulic hoses and fittings where applicable. Lubricate all fittings on established maintenance schedule.
- Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry in the vicinity of moving parts on the livestock squeeze chute. Wear pants, boots and tie back long hair or wear under a cap or hard hat.
- Keep the livestock squeeze chute work area clean and free of trip hazards. Clean up chute and surrounding area as soon as cattle work is finished.
- Avoid startling or spooking livestock during handling operations.
- Be alert and aware of potential sudden changes in conditions when handling livestock.
- Always utilize good animal husbandry practices when handling livestock.
- Ensure side access panels are fully engaged (closed)
- Keep feet, arms, hands, and fingers clear of gates and other moving squeeze chute parts.
- Inspect chute for sharp edges and ensure stable footing as the animals exit the chute.
“Everyone has hazards in their daily life, like driving down the road,” Knock says. “We need to be mindful of those risks and do what we can to avoid getting hurt. And slow down. Rushing through a job increases the potential for injury and accident.”
