Working with Livestock

Working with cattle is one of the most common causes of injury on dairy farms. Large, sometimes unpredictable animals can kick, stand on or crush people, and recent dairy fatalities involving cattle highlight how serious the risk can be. 

The risk of injury increases when working with bulls, when facilities are poorly designed or constructed, or when people lack experience and knowledge of animal behaviour. Injuries are more likely to be serious or fatal when working alone. 

Tip

Experienced handlers. Older, experienced people may handle cattle skilfully but be less agile, and are more likely to suffer a fracture in a fall. Reducing risk — for example, working outside yards and races — helps.

Working alone. Working with livestock is riskier alone. Anyone milking or working on their own should always carry a phone or another way to call for help.

Lower the risk with low-stress handling 

Understanding cattle behaviour — their flight zone and point of balance — supports calm, low-stress handling that is safer for animals and people. Well-designed yards and races, and matching tasks to experience, also reduce risk. WorkSafe Victoria's safer cattle handling information is a practical, maintained guide. 

Disease from animals 

Cattle can also transmit diseases to people, sometimes with long-term effects. Q fever is the main concern — the Farm workplace policies page sets out the state-by-state Q-fever guidance, and vaccination records can be managed through the Australian Immunisation Register. 

Watch out

By law, a farm business is responsible for the safety of everyone on the farm, including employees, relief milkers, visitors and contractors such as artificial insemination technicians, vets and livestock carriers.

Common questions

How dangerous is working with cattle?

Working with cattle is a leading cause of injury on dairy farms. People are kicked, stood on or crushed; some injuries are serious or fatal, and recent dairy fatalities have involved cattle. 

What increases the risk when handling livestock?

Working with bulls, poorly designed or constructed facilities, limited experience or knowledge of animal behaviour, and working alone all increase the risk of injury. 

How can a farm make livestock handling safer?

Use well-designed yards and races, understand cattle behaviour — flight zone and point of balance — for low-stress handling, match tasks to experience, and never work alone without a way to call for help. 

Can cattle make people sick?

Yes. Cattle can transmit diseases such as Q fever to people, sometimes with long-term effects. Vaccination and good hygiene reduce the risk — see the Farm Workplace Policies page for Q-fever guidance.