Farm Safety In Animal Handling
Farm Safety Starts with You – And the Right Equipment Helps
Farm safety has always been a critical issue. Many farmers know from experience how quickly things can go wrong — animals are unpredictable, machinery can fail, and maintenance checks can be overlooked during busy periods. With the average age of farmers increasing and modern-day distractions like mobile phones becoming more common, staying safe on-farm requires greater attention than ever.
At TechniPharm, we are focused on helping farmers reduce risk with smarter, safer equipment solutions and practical advice. Here are three simple safety checks we recommend:
? The TechniPharm 3-Point Safety Check
1. Pre-Use Equipment Inspection
Before using any equipment — especially animal handling gear — take a moment to check:
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Is the head bail locking properly?
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Are gate latches functioning as they should?
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Do you need to grease moving parts?
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Are trip hazards removed or clearly identified?
2. Review Your Farm Workflows
Ask yourself:
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Could there be a better or safer way to do this task?
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Are your staff properly trained and equipped?
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Do you have clearly defined safe zones for people, separated from stock?
Tip: A head bail that opens directly into a pen full of animals is not a safe setup. Always aim to separate human and animal workspaces where possible.
3. Consider Upgrades
Older equipment was built to the safety standards of its time — but design thinking and materials have advanced. Upgrading to modern, well-designed systems can significantly improve safety outcomes.
????? TechniPharm Safety Solutions
We offer a range of products designed to enhance safety on your farm:
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Animal Control Pacifier
Keeps animals calm during handling, reducing stress and the risk of injury.
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Passive or Active Hydraulic Headbail
Headbails designed for animals and use by people
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Hydraulic Hands-Free Systems
For large-scale operations, hydraulic units offer “hands-off” safety and efficiency.
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Smart Yard & Handler Designs
Our yards feature multiple safe access points, smart gate layouts, and purpose-designed treatment areas to keep both stock and operators safe.
?????? Let Us Help You Make Farming Safer
With nearly 30 years of experience, our team understands what works in real farming situations. We offer on-farm assessments to review your current handling facilities and make safety-based recommendations.
???? Call us on 0800 80 90 98
???? Visit saferfarms.org.nz for more general farm safety tips
Let’s work together to make farming safer, smarter, and EZY.
