Slip Resistant Flooring is Essential for Livestock Transportation
Transporting livestock may not be as simple as one would think. There is a lot more than just loading the animals onto the trailers, trains or cargo areas. There are many health and safety factors to consider in preparation before the journey can begin:
- Determining the load capacity for the transportation
- Ensuring that the cargo area is:
- Clean
- Safe
- Slip Resistant
- Durable
- Determining the health and welfare of the livestock
All means of transportation have different capacities and requirements when transporting livestock. Cargo areas require clean and sanitary environments to ensure the health and welfare of the livestock. All cargo areas need to be cleaned from top to bottom before loading the livestock. Also, bedding, feed and water should be provided during the transport. Some states also require Livestock Health Certificates when hauling livestock.
During transport, a critical component that is often forgotten is the safety of the livestock during transport. The livestock often times can slip and fall. This can cause panic, agitation and irritability for the animal.
Slip resistant flooring is an ideal solution to prevent any panic or injuries of the livestock. The slip resistant flooring should start on the loading ramp all the way through the cargo area. A safe slip resistant flooring equals safe, healthy and successful livestock transportation. Animal welfare approval standards for dairy cattle require all floors in the vehicle transporting the livestock to have a non-slip surface according to standard 12.0.12.
There are several types of slip resistant flooring possible for livestock handling:
- Aluminum slip resistant flooring: a one-time answer that will require little to no maintenance and ideal for all livestock
- Grooved Concrete slip resistant flooring: can wear with time and typically only appropriate for handling of pigs and dairy cows
- Diamond Pattern and square pattern slip resistant flooring: meant for transportation of beef cattle and pigs. Can be improperly poured and uncomfortable for livestock if standing on too long
- Sand and mats: a quick install and will require frequent upkeep. Difficult for cleaning and sanitation
The livestock being hauled determines the best means of slip resistant flooring. As you can see there are varieties of slip resistant flooring available, some are permanent solutions and others are temporary quick fixes that will require frequent maintenance.
Grandin, Temple. “Non Slip Flooring for Livestock Handling”. Colorado State University,
It’s terrifying to think that a simple slip or fall could cause so much long term damage. All it takes is one bad fall and the rest of your life is dramatically changed!
If you plan on staying open during the expansion process, companies have to be aware of the new dangers that can pose for employees. Whatever safety measures need to be installed are worth it! You don’t want to risk your employees safety during renovation and expansion.