Safety, ergonomics and hygiene in horse work

The farrier works in an exposed position: bent over a lifted hoof close to an animal weighing several hundred kilos that can be startled in an instant. At the same time the work is physically demanding and repeated day after day. Understanding the risks is the prerequisite for a long working life in the profession.

§The horse as risk

The greatest acute danger is the horse itself — kicks, treading, bites or a horse that suddenly rears. The risk is reduced by working calmly and predictably, standing correctly in relation to the leg, and only working on a horse that is correctly held and stands securely. An unsettled horse should be brought to rest before work continues — or work should stop.

§Ergonomics and the strained back.

The working position with the back bent and the leg held between your own legs puts severe stress on the back knees and shoulders. A blacksmith's stool and leg supports relieve the strain good work habits prevent and variety throughout the day gives your body breaks. Back injuries are a common reason locksmiths have to leave the trade prematurely — it is worth taking seriously from day one.

• 01Use leg support and anvil so your back does not bear the hoof's weight alone
• 02Keep the tool sharp — dull tools require more force and worse postures
• 03Alternate between tasks so the same joints are not strained all day
• 04Warm up and stay in shape — your body is your most important tool

§Personal protection

Apron protects legs and thighs against tools and nails, safety shoes protect the foot against wire and falling items and gloves and eye protection are used where relevant — for example during hot work in the forge and during grinding. Hot shoeing requires the same considerations for fire and heat as any other smithwork.

§Hygiene and infection

The farrier visits many different stables and can inadvertently carry infection between horses on tools clothes and hands. Good hand hygiene and cleaning of tools between horses — and especially between herds — limits disease spread. Some hoof infections and diseases can also infect humans so hygiene protects both ways.

§The long track

Farrier work is work you should be able to do for a long time. It requires that you take care of your body work safely around the horse and take hygiene seriously. The habits you build early are the ones that determine whether you can stay in the profession — and stay healthy in the process.