Working with animals
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What are the health considerations when working with animals?
Many people work with animals regularly. These include farm workers, vets, zoo keepers, and laboratory workers. Many are unaware that some illnesses can be got through contact with animals.
Health issues associated with working with animals can be acute or develop over time and include:
- injuries (e.g. bites, scratches, secretions, stings, kicking or crushing);
- diseases transmitted by animals via infection, infestation from micro-organisms or parasites carried by the animals
- allergic reactions;
- particular animal phobias (e.g. snakes, spiders, etc.) which may cause an individual to react in extreme ways;
- exposure to harmful products;
- hearing deficit from exposure to noise.
In addition, some veterinary products can be hazardous to human health and should only be handled and used by those competent to do so. Hazards may also arise from hay or straw used for animals (e.g. fire, soiled materials, dust, allergies, etc.).
What does working with animals mean for employees?
If you are suffering from a newly-diagnosed or ongoing medical condition you should notify your employer so that a risk assessment can be undertaken. Particular consideration should be given to allergies and conditions/medications which affect the immunity, breathing or blood (e.g. taking warfarin).
You should wear any personal protective equipment (PPE) that is provided and comply with any recommended immunisation or health surveillance programmes.
What are employers' responsibilities?
Employers must ensure that they comply with their legal obligations to protect the health and safety of their staff (including employees, volunteers, helpers, etc.).
All animals carry a range of diseases some of which can infect humans and can be very serious or even fatal - these are called zoonoses. If you work with animals your employer should ensure that you know about any risks and can check for symptoms. Employers should consider any employees with existing health conditions as these may make them more susceptible to contracting a zoonosis, or could make their existing condition worse.
Employers should ensure that everyone involved in working with animals is properly briefed on identified risks, control measures and emergency procedures. As animal behaviour can be influenced by adverse conditions (e.g. load noises, flashing lights, containment, etc.) a comprehensive risk assessment should be undertaken to ensure appropriate control measures are in place. Where employees are responsible for working with animals in enclosed environments, consideration should be given to undertaking noise assessments which should be carried out by suitably-qualified personnel (e.g. environmental hygienists).
Risk assessments should be regularly undertaken and reviewed to identify circumstances in which health surveillance is required. Appropriate PPE should be provided and adequate welfare facilities must be available (e.g. hand-washing, rest break and changing facilities).
Employers should ensure that appropriate first aid is provided and consideration should be given to the need for specific antidotes (e.g. anti-venom), as required. Consideration should also be given to the provision of vaccinations (advice on vaccinations can be sought from the Health for Work Adviceline or your local occupational health service).
What help is available for employees?
The Health for Work Adviceline 0800 077 88 44 will be able to offer more detailed guidance on working with animals, immunisation requirements, specific health surveillance requirements and on what to do if you develop a chronic health condition.
You can also contact your union or health and safety representative for advice if you have any issues relating to working with animals.
Sources of further information
Guidance can be found on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website on:
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