When it comes to hoof care, safety must be ensured for both animals and humans. A suitable hoof trimming stand, well-designed handling systems and sound knowledge on the part of the staff carrying out the work form the basis for this. Safety begins with the choice of hoof trimming stand, as incorrect equipment can lead to injuries, and in extreme cases even to the total loss of a limb. A considerate and careful approach to handling the animal, combined with working efficiently in the stand, is a fundamental requirement for reducing the risk of injury. Otherwise, injuries are possible in any hoof care stand. Information on correct and safe animal handling can be found in the guide ‘Integration and Organisation of Hoof Care’.

To find the right hoof trimming stall for your own farm, you should first examine various models (e.g. through demonstrations, at trade fairs or as part of hoof care courses) and, ideally, test them yourself. You can choose between tilting or drive-through stalls, which show little difference in terms of safety. Depending on your farm’s specific procedures, you should consider whether the stall should be mobile or permanently installed. Permanently installed stalls can often be better integrated into regular routine procedures and are therefore recommended.

The contact surfaces of all restraint devices must be designed and manufactured in such a way that they do not pose a risk of injury to the animal (e.g. sharp edges, etc.).

Mechanical stands must be fitted with a backstop for the hand cranks. It is important, amongst other things, that the restraint devices on the stand can be released immediately, even under load. Electrical control units must always be accessible from a safe position.

For the person carrying out hoof care, fully securing the cow reduces the risk of injury and significantly improves safety at work. To ensure there is sufficient light for safe work on the hoof, good, glare-free lighting of the work area without shadows, with a minimum illuminance of 500 lux, is essential. With a height-adjustable stand, work can be carried out on the hooves from all sides whilst maintaining an ergonomic posture, which, above all, protects the back in the long term. Taking a step forward improves stability and relieves pressure on the spine (Figs. 4, 5 & 6).

Personal protective equipment is particularly important when carrying out hoof care and plays a major role in occupational safety. The occupational safety regulations of the German Agricultural Social Accident Insurance Association (SVLFG) must be observed. It is essential to mention that safety shoes or boots with a treaded sole are mandatory.

Personal protective equipment for hoof care includes (may vary depending on the tools used):

• Safety goggles to protect against flying hoof shavings when working with angle grinders
• Ear protection when using angle grinders
• Gloves
• Disinfectable or disposable gloves when using chemical agents or antibiotic-containing sprays and when treating infectious diseases.
• Forearm protection
• Leather apron
• Dust mask depending on the type of grinding disc (e.g. abrasive discs) used

When using chemical agents (e.g. adhesives for bonding PVC or wooden blocks) or antibiotic-containing sprays (e.g. blue spray), the relevant instructions for use and the precautions outlined therein must be observed to ensure safe use for both humans and animals.

When it comes to electrical equipment, there are significantly more health and safety considerations to bear in mind. As required by regulations, this equipment must be inspected annually by a qualified health and safety officer. A residual current device (RCD) (> 30 mA) is essential to prevent dangerous electric shocks. Angle grinders must be held with both hands. Even so-called one-handed angle grinders are no exception and must be operated with both hands. Therefore, a side handle and a disc guard are absolutely essential. To ensure a correct and ergonomic posture, the handle can be fitted at a 45° angle. It is advisable to fit an ergonomic, easily accessible mount for the angle grinder on the claw stand (Fig. 9). Discs must have only a minimal degree of imbalance to prevent excessive vibration, particularly affecting the hands and arms. Additionally, vibration-reducing handles can be purchased for the angle grinder. As a general rule, the more aggressive the angle grinder discs are, the more securely the base must be fixed during work on the animal to prevent injuries.

The general hygiene rules for people also apply to hoof care in order to minimise the transmission of pathogens. In all cases, both the person carrying out the hoof care and any assistants who come into contact with the equipment should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after work. Ideally, disposable gloves should be worn, particularly in view of diseases transmissible from animals to humans (zoonoses). Washing work clothes after each visit should be standard practice for external hoof trimmers. Ideally, personal work clothes should remain on the farm and be used only there.

Once hoof care is complete, it is important to thoroughly clean and, if necessary, disinfect the hoof care station and the tools. The station should be cleaned using a high-pressure washer. The tools used are best cleaned with a brush and warm water. In cases of heavy soiling, cleaning additives should be added to the wash water. Hoof knives with plastic handles are much safer to clean than those with wooden handles. If there is a high risk of infection on the farm due to an increased incidence of contagious (hoof) diseases, it is advisable to disinfect the equipment and the station afterwards. Studies have shown that pathogens capable of reproduction, such as treponemes, can be found on hoof knives if they are not disinfected.

After wet cleaning, the hoof care station and tools must be completely dry before disinfection so that the disinfectant can be fully effective. Only DVG-approved disinfectants should be used. Particular attention should be paid to the spectrum of activity. In the case of external hoof care, the hoof care practitioners themselves clean and disinfect their equipment and hoof care stations. However, the cleanliness of all equipment should still be checked before hoof care to prevent the introduction of diseases from other stables.

With good planning, the right equipment and proper execution, hoof care can be carried out safely and with a low risk of injury to both humans and animals. In conclusion, treating the animal with care is the best way to work safely.