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Livestock Kicks and Crush Injuries

Kicks, crushes and pins are among the most common ways people are hurt by livestock. Prevention starts with position, space and calm animals.

How do kicks and crush injuries happen?

Livestock are heavy and strong. A person can be kicked when standing in the wrong place, or crushed when an animal moves against a gate, wall or other animal. Slips and falls near animals add risk.

Injuries often happen in tight spaces such as chutes, alleys, stalls and loading areas. They can also happen in open pens when a group moves suddenly.

Most of these injuries are preventable with planning, and the information on animal behavior from extension and NIOSH can help you understand why they happen. Think about your own operation and where people work closest to animals. Those spots deserve the first attention.

• Standing behind or beside an animal that cannot see you
• Being pinned between an animal and a fence or gate
• Falling under moving animals
• Being stepped on
• Tight spaces increase risk
• Slick floors add to the danger

What does prevention look like?

Prevention begins with understanding animal behavior, staying in the right position and keeping an exit. Stand where the animal can see you and where you can step away. Use gates and panels as barriers.

Facilities that allow work from behind barriers help. Calm, low-stress handling lowers the chance of sudden movement. Plan jobs ahead and avoid rushing.

Keep your attention on the animals rather than your phone or tools while you are in the pen.

• Use gates as shields
• Keep an exit in sight
• Work from outside when possible

Which positions are risky?

Directly behind many animals is a kicking zone. Between an animal and a solid object can lead to pinning. In front of a charging or startled animal is also risky. Each species has different behavior, so learn what applies to yours.

Do not assume that a quiet animal will stay quiet. Pain, fear and surprise can change behavior quickly.

Tired, distracted or hurried workers are more likely to end up in a bad spot, so plan breaks and share work.

• Do not stand directly behind animals
• Never stand between an animal and a wall
• Leave a clear exit
• Keep children out of work areas

What should you do after a kick or crush?

Call 911 for serious injuries such as loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, severe pain, heavy bleeding, deformity or an inability to move.

Even injuries that seem minor can hide internal damage or fractures. Seek medical care after being kicked or crushed, particularly to the chest, abdomen, head or spine. Tell health providers that the injury involved livestock.

This site does not give first aid instructions. Learn first aid and CPR through the American Red Cross or a similar recognized program.

• Call 911 for serious injury
• Seek care for chest, abdomen, head or spine injuries
• Tell your provider the injury involved livestock

How do you reduce the risk for children?

Children are smaller and easier to injure. Keep them away from working areas, pens and animals that are not suitable for children. Provide supervised, age-appropriate learning with calm animals.

Youth work rules for farm tasks are set by the U.S. Department of Labor. Confirm what children may do before giving them tasks.

• Teach children to stay out of pens
• Provide calm animals for learning
• Supervise at all times

How can farms plan for emergencies?

Know your address and a clear route for responders. Keep phones charged. Post emergency numbers and have a first aid kit. Practice a plan so that everyone knows who calls and who meets responders.

Review any injury or near miss with the crew. Learn what changed or could change in the facility or the plan. NIOSH and extension programs provide guidance on preventing livestock injuries.

• Know your address and route
• Keep phones charged
• Post numbers
• Keep first aid supplies

What about long-term effects of injuries?

Crush and kick injuries can have lasting effects, including pain, limited movement and emotional distress. Some people feel anxious around animals after an injury, and that is normal.

Follow your health provider's advice for recovery and return to work. If you are struggling emotionally, tell your doctor. In the US, people can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and in an emergency should call 911.

• Follow medical advice before returning to livestock work
• Ask for help if you feel anxious or low
• Return gradually with a helper

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.