More than time and money: A mixed-methods study of the barriers to safer cattle handling practices

DeAnn Scott-Harp; Corinne Peek-Asa; Diane S Rohlman; Brandi Janssen

doi:10.1002/ajim.23043

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More than time and money: A mixed-methods study of the barriers to safer cattle handling practices

Journal article

Peer reviewed

More than time and money: A mixed-methods study of the barriers to safer cattle handling practices

DeAnn Scott-Harp, Corinne Peek-Asa, Diane S Rohlman and Brandi Janssen

American journal of industrial medicine, Vol.62(11), pp.978-985

11/2019

DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23043

PMCID: PMC7069494

PMID: 31452240

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/7069494View

Open Access

Abstract

Cattle are responsible for more injuries and fatalities than any farm animal, and cattle-related nonfatal injuries are some of the costliest, requiring more time off work than other injuries. Though research has improved our understanding of cattle behavior, developed low-stress handling practices, and determined how facilities can be safer, injury rates remain high. This project identified the types of equipment commonly used on farms and assessed farmer perceptions of safety and barriers to implementing changes. A mixed-methods design was used for this study. The study was comprised of a survey (N = 66) and four site visits conducted at operations focusing on different types of beef production in Iowa, United States. Information collected included descriptive characteristics of the operator and operation, tasks carried out on the farm, handling facility components and design, and incidents of handling-related injuries. Most farms indicated that they utilized equipment like alleyways, a manual headgate, a sorting/diverter gate, and a manual squeeze chute. Farmers cited the cost of equipment, lack of necessity (their setup worked well already), and lack of time as being the main reasons they have not implemented changes in their operations. However, qualitative responses provided additional details and nuance, illuminating farmers' anxieties related to farm transitions, knowledge, and trust of equipment sales personnel. This study provides health and safety professionals with additional details about why beef cattle producers may choose not to invest in safer handling equipment, even when they recognize the safety benefits of doing so.

Animal Husbandry - instrumentation

Animal Husbandry - methods

Animals

Cattle

Costs and Cost Analysis

Equipment and Supplies - economics

Farmers

Humans

Occupational Injuries - prevention & control

Time Factors

United States

Details

Title: Subtitle: More than time and money: A mixed-methods study of the barriers to safer cattle handling practices
Creators: DeAnn Scott-Harp - Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Corinne Peek-Asa - Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Diane S Rohlman - Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Brandi Janssen - Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: American journal of industrial medicine, Vol.62(11), pp.978-985
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23043
PMID: 31452240
PMCID: PMC7069494
NLM abbreviation: Am J Ind Med
ISSN: 0271-3586
eISSN: 1097-0274
Grant note: R49 CE003095 / NCIPC CDC HHS T42 OH008491 / NIOSH CDC HHS T42OH008491 / ACL HHS
Language: English
Date published: 11/2019
Academic Unit: Public Health Administration; Occupational and Environmental Health; International Programs; Epidemiology; Nursing; Injury Prevention Research Center; Public Policy Center (Archive)
Record Identifier: 9984214790602771

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