In the high-stakes world of beef cattle production, an operation’s most valuable asset isn’t the herd or the machinery — it’s the people. Yet, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, agriculture remains the most dangerous industry in the country. Within the feedlot, where nearly 45% of injuries involve cattle handling, a split-second of complacency can change a life forever.
Creating a Safety Culture
“The greatest asset each yard has is their employees,” says Wyatt Schroeder, Kansas Livestock Association safety director.
It is important those employees believe in a proactive safety culture and employers are willing to provide proper training, support and a safe work environment. It is easy to feel rushed when times are busy, but given this type of workplace with extra moving parts, accidents occur quickly. To prevent accidents, effective safety training programs should be utilized. A culture that shows employees and their safety are valued is one that people will buy into.
Schroeder says, “Effective training takes time, mentorship and a commitment to setting employees up for success.”
This can look like implementing new-hire training on all policies and procedures or using a mentorship program.
These safety plans and policies are only useful when they are revisited and updated. Formal certifications like CPR and first aid are to be renewed every two years. Besides that, there are always chances for safety conversations and learning opportunities whether at morning meetings, before certain jobs, after near misses, in changing conditions or anytime hazards are identified, Schroeder says.
Avoiding Complacency in the Workplace
Complacency is an autopilot effect, as employees often get comfortable with how tasks are done. This and hurrying do not mix well in feedlot work environments.
“Employees can have all the training and experience in the world, but one second of not focusing on the task at hand or looking for those possible hazards can be disastrous,” Schroeder says.
To alleviate these issues, he reminds producers to slow down, focus on tasks at hand and use better communication to prevent accidents. Reinforcing proper procedures is a must.
Fighting natural human behavior like complacency is the biggest challenge. Although feedlots have become safer over the years, many injuries still come from routine tasks that happen frequently. Finding ways to keep employees engaged and willing to communicate helps prevent these injuries and accidents.
Understanding Animal Behavior and Safe Handling
Cattle handling is the leading cause of injuries in feedlots. Understanding their behavior and implementing low-stress handling techniques is critical.
“There are probably more things that do affect cattle behavior than don’t,” Schroeder says.
Having the ability to identify these factors and apply proper low-stress handling gives handlers a better chance of controlling the situation. Working with the animal’s natural behavior rather than forcing against it will keep everyone a part of the interaction safe. Regular positive interactions with cattle also make future handling easier.
Understanding animal flight zones and points of balance allows for smarter and quieter work rather than harder work.
Schroeder stresses, “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.”
Asking for help when needed is a key in many situations to maintain low stress. The best way to build these skills is experience. To build confidence in low-stress handling, it is recommended that new or inexperienced employees work with others or watch to learn. Asking questions or for help often alleviates some of these risky situations.
Maintaining Facilities and Equipment
Another part of proper and low-stress handling is safe facilities and equipment. Routine preventive maintenance helps avoid equipment failures.
“The biggest concerns in regard to equipment safety are the easiest to mitigate,” Schroeder says.
He recommends making sure all moving parts are properly guarded and using lockout/tagout before working on equipment. Maintenance practices keep equipment from failing in the first place.
Although maintenance is key, having the proper facilities comes first. Good lighting and even surfaces throughout the facilities keep cattle calm and reduce the risk of balking. Perforated floors prevent animal slippage and keep areas cleaner. Limiting noise can also be helpful.
“I’ve seen a lot of facilities, and all-in-all, it’s the crew handling the cattle that makes the most difference,” Schroeder explains. “A pretty good crew can make a not-so-good facility run smooth.”
Looking Ahead
Technology is ever-changing and providing new methods and opportunities in the industry. Although it can be a valuable tool for safety improvement, it is crucial that it not replace safe practices.
“The most important safety equipment in any feedyard is a well-trained employee who pays attention to their surroundings,” Schroeder summarizes.
