Safety When Working with Animals

Working in an animal rescue and care environment can be very hazardous.

The animals that you rescue and rehabilitate can be unpredictable and in some cases, quite dangerous. Members need to know their limitations around animals and work within them to avoid injury including through the use of correct handling techniques. By understanding animal behavior the risk of injury can be reduced.

Animals respond to sights, sounds and smells just as we do but they will also react to things that we may not detect. The “fight or flight” response is an animal’s primitive automatic, inborn response that prepares its body to “flight” or “flee” from perceived attack, harm or threat to its survival. For example, an unsuccessful escape may cause the animal to act aggressively or defensively.

Inappropriate handling of an animal can cause discomfort, pain and distress and provoke an animal to bite or scratch. Animal bites and scratches that cause minor skin damage are often disregarded, you should keep in mind that even minor scratches and bites can result in infections and illness if not properly treated.

While you are going about your duties as a WIRES volunteer you may not only be at risk of being injured by the animals themselves.

You may also be exposed to other hazards that may include:

• Zoonosis – human diseases acquired from animals
• Injuries from Scratches, Bites, Cuts and Punctures
• Infectious agents – bacteria, fungi, parasites, protozoa
• Allergies – animal fur, dander, latex gloves etc.
• Falls
  
• Road rescue hazards
• Working around water
• Steam/hot water – used for sterilisation
• Ergonomics – lifting heavy animals, feed etc.
• Responding to Challenging Members of the Public
  
• Your responsibility to manage stress