Check firstCheck with your care teamWork exposure

Veterinary, farm and animal-care work

Animal work can combine heavy handling, infection, pesticides, medicines, anaesthetic gases, radiation and injury risk.

Direct guidance

What to know or do

Review the exact species, procedures and controls with occupational health. Use task-appropriate hygiene and protective equipment rather than a blanket rule about all animals.

What changes the answer

  • The named chemical, biological, radiation, physical or scheduling hazard
  • How often and how much exposure occurs, including spills and take-home residue
  • Engineering controls, task changes and correctly fitted PPE available at work

Check with your care team

When to get individual help

Check the exact item or situation with a doctor, midwife, pharmacist or relevant clinician; the name of a broad category is not enough for a personal decision.