Purpose
Many ranchers work alone out of necessity. Small operations, remote locations, or irregular schedules make it impractical to always have a second person present. While working with a partner is always safer, this protocol outlines procedures to reduce risk when working alone with livestock is unavoidable.
Fundamental Principle
If you get hurt working alone, nobody may know for hours. Every decision you make should account for that reality.
Risk Assessment: Can This Task Be Done Alone?
NEVER Do Alone
- Working aggressive animals of any kind
- Loading/unloading unfamiliar animals
- Working in confined spaces with animals
- Working cows with newborn calves
- Entering pens with animals known to be dangerous
- Any task where you cannot easily escape
- Working at height near animals
- Operating equipment that requires a spotter
Proceed with Extreme Caution
Certain tasks can be done solo if conditions are right: feeding in open areas, working calm animals in well-designed facilities, routine doctoring of individual animals that are properly restrained, monitoring calving from a distance, and moving small groups through well-fenced areas.
Lower Risk (Protocol Still Applies)
Lower-risk tasks like checking water, fence inspection when no animals are present, and equipment maintenance away from livestock still require following this protocol. Injuries happen in the simplest situations.
Pre-Work Protocol
1. Tell Someone
Before heading out, let someone know where you will be working, what you will be doing, when you expect to be done, what time to call for a check-in, and what action to take if they cannot reach you. Your contact person can be a spouse, neighbor, ranch hand, or anyone who can check on you or send help.
| Date | Location | Task | Expected Return | Check-In Time | Contact Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2. Communication Check
Verify that your cell phone has service at your work location. If it does not, make an alternative plan. Consider a satellite communicator for remote areas and a two-way radio if working near the house. Know exactly where 911 can be reached from your property.
If you have no reliable communication, set up a check-in schedule with someone who will act if you miss your window. Work closer to cell coverage areas when possible, and consider postponing the task until a partner is available.
3. Equipment and Preparation
Personal gear: Phone (charged, in a waterproof case), water and any needed medication, a knife or multi-tool, a flashlight if there is any chance of working into darkness, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Vehicle: Confirm your keys are accessible (not locked inside), fuel is adequate, and emergency supplies are on board including a blanket, water, and first aid kit.
Facilities: Check that gates are functioning properly and no equipment is blocking paths.
4. Task Assessment
Before starting, ask yourself four questions. What is the worst thing that could go wrong? If it goes wrong, can I get out or get help? Is there any reason to postpone this task? Am I physically and mentally ready for this?
During Work Protocol
1. Check-In System
Text at specified intervals (every 30 minutes or hourly) and call at specified times. Some automatic check-in apps will send an alert if you fail to respond.
A simple schedule looks like this: text when starting the task, text or call at regular intervals, text when the task is complete, and text when leaving the location.
Define what happens if you miss a check-in. How long does your contact person wait before acting? What action will they take: call you, send someone, or call 911?
2. Situational Awareness
Always know where your escape route is. Keep animals in view, do not turn your back on them, and watch for changes in behavior. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
3. Conservative Decision Making
If conditions change, reassess. If you are tired or frustrated, take a break. If something feels wrong, trust that feeling. The task can wait. You cannot be replaced.
4. Facility Use
Position yourself near escape routes at all times. Do not enter pens with loose animals, and use restraint equipment properly. Never straddle equipment or animals, and keep clear paths to exits.
Emergency Preparedness
If You're Injured
Get to safety first. Assess your injury and determine whether you can self-rescue. Call for help (911 or your designated person) and provide your location, including GPS coordinates if possible. Apply basic first aid to control bleeding and protect the injured area. Do not attempt to drive if you are seriously injured.
Pre-Programmed Emergency Information
Keep medical information accessible on your phone's lock screen and enable GPS location sharing. Carry an emergency contact card in your wallet and program an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact in your phone.
Location Information
Record GPS coordinates of your common work areas, along with landmarks useful for giving directions and gate access codes or locations.
EMERGENCY LOCATION CARD
Property: _______________________ Address: _______________________ GPS: __________________________ Gate Code: ____________________ Best Access Point: ______________ Nearest Hospital: _______________ Directions: ____________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ ```
Technology Aids
Recommended Devices
Satellite communicators (SPOT, Zoleo, ACR Bivy Stick) offer two-way messaging, GPS tracking, check-in capability, and SOS functions with a subscription service included.
Smartphone apps like bSafe (check-in alerts), What3Words (precise location sharing), and farm-specific safety apps add another layer of protection.
Automatic Alert Systems
Scheduled automatic messages, motion-activated alerts, and vehicle GPS trackers can all serve as backup communication when you are working alone.
Special Situation Protocols
Working with Cattle Alone
Use proper facilities and never attempt free-range handling alone. Have the animal properly restrained before approaching. Keep your phone on your person, not in the truck, and watch for signs of aggression at all times.
Checking Pastures Alone
Stay in your vehicle when animals are present and do not approach on foot unless absolutely necessary. If animals approach aggressively, exit the vehicle quickly. Know escape routes from every pasture.
Calving Alone
Do not assist a birth without proper restraint. If intervention is needed, assess whether it can wait for help. Never position yourself between a cow and her calf, and consider calving cameras for remote monitoring.
Working Horses Alone
Always wear a helmet when riding, and tie horses with a quick-release knot. Make sure someone knows your riding plans and consider a GPS tracker on your person or the horse. Stay in areas with cell service when possible.
Documentation
Working Alone Log
| Date | Task | Location | Start Time | Check-In Schedule | Contact Person | End Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Protocol Review
Review this protocol after any incident or near-miss, when tasks or locations change, and when contact persons change.
Agreement Form
Working Alone Safety Agreement
I understand that working alone with livestock is inherently more dangerous than working with others, that some tasks should NEVER be done alone, that following this protocol reduces but does not eliminate risk, and that I am responsible for my own safety decisions.
I agree to maintain communication as specified, make conservative decisions about task suitability, stop work if conditions become unsafe, and carry emergency communication at all times.
Key Reminders
Tell someone before working alone, every single time. Carry a communication device that works in your location, and check in regularly per the agreed schedule. Never work bulls or dangerous animals alone, and use facilities instead of your body for animal control.
Know your escape routes at all times. Stop if conditions change for the worse, and trust your instincts. If it feels wrong, stop. The task can wait, but your safety cannot. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Download at texasranchsafety.com/resources
