Safety Risks in the Milking Parlor - Non-biological Exposures

Injuries and illnesses on dairy farms can occur in many ways, but the milking parlor is frequently where incidents happen. In a review of exposure to injuries and fatalities worldwide, interactivity with cows at milking was reported as the cause of the majority of injuries (Douphrate et al., 2013). At times, the milking parlor is the hub of activity on the farm. Pushing the cows into the parlor, the cows’ sense of urgency to be milked, the moving equipment, and the constant activity contribute to injuries or illnesses of workers. Injuries and illnesses happen in several ways, including noise due to pumps and metal clanging, musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive or strenuous motion, exposure to various chemicals, and biological exposures to pathogens and allergens. Unlike other farm tasks, milking must happen every day, usually two or three times, heightening the likelihood of exposure.

The report from a recent survey of New Zealand dairies noted that almost 50% of parlor injuries occurred while attaching the clusters (Edwards and Kuhn-Sherlock, 2021). Further investigation indicated these injuries are usually to soft tissue or include fractured hands, wrists, fingers, or arms. Interestingly, workers between the ages of 20-29 had the highest percentage of injuries by proportion of the workforce. The researchers also observed that females had a greater risk, which was collaborated by more accident claims considering their segment of workforce composition.

The factors that contributed to specific hand and wrist disorders in dairy workers in Italy were examined in another study (Masci et al., 2020). The risk factors associated with three parlor systems, including parallel, herringbone, and rotary, were assessed for 40 male workers. By identifying the factors contributing to higher risks, the researchers concluded that an organized milking routine, cluster weight of less than 2.4 kg or 5.291 pounds, and supporting arms for the clusters could reduce the hazards.

Noise from pumps and compressors, cows moving, and milking equipment making contact with metal is another hazard associated with working in a milking parlor. The loudness and duration of exposure to the noise determine the need for hearing protection to guard against noise-induced hearing loss. Hearing protection is recommended when noise levels are 90 decibels or more averaged over an 8-hour shift. For protection, single-use earplugs, molded re-useable earplugs, or earmuffs are acceptable (Ag Safety and Health Community of Practice, 2024). An app is available to assess the noise level of a parlor: NIOSH Sound Level Meter App.

In some cases, entering the parlor can pose a hazard as the design may place the parlor lower than the milkhouse and surrounding holding and housing areas. Some parlors require using steps, a narrow ladder, or a ramp to descend several feet. The associated hazard is slips or falls. Extra caution should be used when carrying equipment. Proper drainage of standing water and wearing boots or footwear with good traction can also reduce the likelihood of slipping in the parlor. Close-toed shoes are a must on farms to protect feet from being stepped on by animals, and to prevent injury from sharp or heavy objects. Proper footwear will also help reduce slips and falls.  Specific footwear may be preferred for certain tasks.

The chemicals found in a milking parlor are sometimes tucked in another room or out of sight, so they may be overlooked when considering hazards. However, chemicals, including cleaners, acid rinse, and teat dips, could be in the parlor area. Cleaning and sanitizing agents should be handled with care as they are intended to kill bacteria or remove fat and mineral deposits, so they can cause damage to the eyes and skin if handled improperly. Follow directions for cleaning and sanitizing all milking equipment. Filing the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the chemicals used on your farm in an accessible place can save valuable time in an emergency situation. If chemicals splash in someone’s eyes, flush them with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. In cases where mixing chemicals is required, follow the labels and take proper safety precautions, including wearing protective gloves, eye protection, or a face shield and clothing to cover other possible skin exposures. 

The interventions applied to improve the safety of dairies were assessed in a 2022 report (Driscoll et al., 2022). The types of interventions examined included education and training, administrative procedures, engineering and design, and regulatory. The authors of this review concluded that there is a need for evidence-based interventions in the dairy industry. Gathering data on the effectiveness and implementation of safety practices remains a struggle for researchers.

Hazards representing different types of risks can be found in the milking parlor on farms. Researchers continue to gain a better understanding of these risks to develop and implement effective preventive measures such as education and protective equipment and even work to eliminate some risks.

References

Ag Safety and Health eXtension Community of Practice. (2024). Hearing loss and protection for agricultural producers. 

Douphrate, D. I., Stallones, L., Lunner Kolstrup, C., Nonnenmann, M. W., Pinzke, S., Hagevoort, G. R., Lundqvist, P., Jakob, M., Xiang, H., Xue, L., Jarvie, P., McCurdy, S. A., Reed, S., and Lower, T. (2013). Work-related injuries and fatalities on dairy farm operations -a global perspective. J Agromed 18:256-264.

Driscoll, M., Dalton, D., Jenkins, P., Tinc, P., Murphy, D. Douphrate, D. I., Lundqvist, P., Pate, M., Lindahl, C., Meyerhoff, A., Scott, E., Carrabba, J., Hagevoort, G. R., and Sorensen, J. (2022). A scoping review of safety and health interventions in the high-risk dairy industry: gaps in evidence point to future directions in research. J Agromed 27(1):51-63. 

Edwards, J. P., and Kuhn-Sherlock, B. (2021). Opportunities for improving the safety of dairy parlor workers. J Dairy Sci 104:419-430. 

Masci, F., Rosecrance, J., Mixco, A., Cortinovis, I., Calcante, A., and Mandic-Rajcevic, S. (2020). Personal and occupational factors contributing to biochemical risk of the distal upper limb among dairy workers in the Lombardy region of Italy. Applied Ergonomics 83:1-12.