Animal hazards toolbox talk

What it is

Injury from aggressive, wounded or territorial animals, or harm to wildlife, livestock and pets by work activities.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Check for animals, nests and burrows before work starts, and arrange for owners to restrain dogs and livestock or move them away from the work area.
2. Plan access to avoid animals' habitat, and keep to marked tracks and routes.
3. Keep food and rubbish in sealed containers so that it does not draw animals to the site.
4. Do not approach, feed or provoke animals, and call the owner, a ranger or a wildlife carer for wounded, trapped or aggressive ones.
5. Get a licensed pest controller to set baits and traps, and mark and record every bait location.
6. Brief workers on the animals likely on site, and on how to withdraw and get first aid if one attacks.

Questions for the crew

1. Where could animal hazards come up on this job today?
2. The most effective control is: “Check for animals, nests and burrows before work starts, and arrange for owners to restrain dogs and livestock or move them away from the work area”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
3. Which controls for animal hazards are missing or not working on this site?
4. When would you stop work because of animal hazards, and who would you tell?
5. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?