Purpose
This template provides a structured format for conducting safety briefings before livestock work. A brief pre-work discussion helps ensure everyone understands the plan, knows the hazards, and can respond appropriately to emergencies. Taking 5 minutes before work can prevent hours or weeks of injury recovery.
Pre-Working Safety Briefing
Date: _____________ Time: _____________
Location/Facility: _________________________________
Work Activity: _________________________________
Team Leader: _________________________________
1. PEOPLE PRESENT
| Name | Role/Position | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
2. TODAY'S WORK PLAN
____________________________________________________________
- Number: _____________________
- Any animals of concern? (aggressive, protective, injured): _________________________
3. POSITION ASSIGNMENTS
| Position | Person Assigned | Primary Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
4. ESCAPE ROUTES
| Location | Primary Route | Backup Route |
|---|---|---|
5. HAZARDS IDENTIFIED
Animal Hazards
- [ ] Bull(s) present
- [ ] Cows with calves
- [ ] Aggressive individuals (identify): _________________________
- [ ] Unfamiliar/new animals
- [ ] Animals in poor condition or pain
- [ ] Other: _________________________
Facility Hazards
- [ ] Wet/slippery surfaces
- [ ] Damaged gates or panels
- [ ] Crowded conditions
- [ ] Inadequate lighting
- [ ] Blind spots
- [ ] Other: _________________________
Environmental Hazards
- [ ] Heat stress conditions
- [ ] Cold conditions
- [ ] Lightning potential
- [ ] Wind (dust, flying objects)
- [ ] Other: _________________________
Equipment Hazards
- [ ] Equipment needs inspection
- [ ] Known equipment issues: _________________________
- [ ] Other: _________________________
6. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
- [ ] Eye protection
- [ ] Hearing protection
- [ ] Gloves
- [ ] Long sleeves/pants
- [ ] Other: _________________________
7. COMMUNICATION
- [ ] Hand signals
- [ ] Two-way radios (Channel: ________)
- [ ] Cell phones
- [ ] Whistles
- Move forward: _________________________
- Emergency stop: _________________________
- Need help: _________________________
8. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
- Ranch office: _________________________
- Veterinarian: _________________________
- Other: _________________________
- GPS Coordinates (if known): ___________________________________________
- Directions/landmarks: ___________________________________________
9. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
10. QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
11. FINAL CHECK
- [ ] All escape routes are clear
- [ ] Communication method confirmed
- [ ] PPE is worn
- [ ] Equipment is ready
- [ ] Emergency procedures are understood
- [ ] Any concerns have been addressed
12. BRIEFING SIGN-OFF
By signing below, each person confirms they understand the hazards present and how to avoid them, the location of escape routes, the communication methods and signals in use, and the emergency procedures for today's operation.
| Name (Print) | Signature | Time |
|---|---|---|
Post-Work Notes
If yes, describe: ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Instructions for Use
When to Use This Form
Use this briefing form before any livestock handling operation involving multiple people, when working with new or inexperienced crew members, when working with animals of concern, when working in unfamiliar facilities, and anytime safety requires extra attention.
How to Conduct the Briefing
- Gather all participants before starting work
- Review each section verbally (do not just hand out the form)
- Walk through escape routes if the facility is unfamiliar
- Demonstrate communication signals
- Encourage questions (no question is a bad one)
- Address all concerns before starting
- Keep the briefing focused but thorough (5-10 minutes)
After the Work
- Complete post-work notes
- Document any incidents or near-misses
- File the completed form for records
- Use feedback to improve future operations
Retention
Keep completed briefing forms for at least one year or as required by your workers' compensation or liability insurance.
Download at texasranchsafety.com/resources
