えい ご ばん

英語版

For Technical Intern Trainees

Ensuring the Safety and Health of Technical Intern
Trainees Involved in Livestock Agriculture

Contents
Ⅰ

Cautions concerning each type of livestock agriculture 
１．Dairy farm work 
２．Pig farm work 
３．Chicken farm work 

1
1
3
5

Ⅱ

7
7
9
11
11
13
13

Document 1 Prevention of traffic accidents 

15Document 2 Check sheet for physical and mental health 
Document 3 Prevention of fires in dormitories 1718

Cautions common to all types of work 
１．Precautions before starting work 
２．Cautions while working 
３．Cautions when driving a forklift, etc. 
４．Cautions concerning the working environment 
５．Cautions concerning responding to abnormal situations 
６．Cautions concerning health Ⅰ Cautions concerning each type of livestock agriculture
1．Dairy farm work
1. Dairy cows may kick with their back legs, so caution is required.
Approach dairy cows diagonally from behind.
Positions of the winder when approaching a cow
Position from which to approach a cow

Range of the back legs and range
where the cow can kick

Do not stand directly
behind a cow

45 degrees
60
degrees

Position from which toapproach a cow

Range of the back legs
90 degrees

Range where the cow cankick with its back legs

60 degrees
45 degrees

90 degrees

2. When milking a cow with a milker, take care not to get kicked by the cow’s
back legs.

I kick sometimes!

3. When using feeding machinery and equipment and facilities for treatment ofmanure, take care not to get your hands, feet, hair or clothing caught.

Automatic feeder

The screw inside anautomatic feeder−1−Explanation
1. The characteristics of dairy cows
Dairy cows are timid animals. They become frightened simply when they areapproached by unfamiliar people. Avoid shouting or running in the barn so as not tofrighten or excite the cows. When workers are kicked or trampled by dairy cows, it
usually involves the cow’s back legs. The range of a cow’s back legs is limited, so
take care not to get within that range inadvertently (see the figure at left).
Dairy cows do not like it if you stand directly behind them. Approach dairy cows
diagonally from behind where they can see you (refer to the figure at left).
(The explanation above and figures at left are based on material from the National
Livestock Breeding Center of Japan, including excerpts from The Behavior of Dairy
Cattle by Seiji Kondo published by Dairyman.)

2. Milking work
For milking, a special machine called a milker is used. With tie stalls, when attaching
the milker and dipping the teats, stroke the cow’s body gently and wipe the teats
carefully before touching the udders so as to reassure the cow and avoid being kickedor trampled.
With free stalls, milking is carried out in a special facility called a milking barn.
Normally, about ten cows can be milked at one time. When it is time for milking, thecows are herded into the milking parlor, where a worker attaches the milker. Aftermilking, the cows are herded back out.
In a milking parlor, when attaching the milker and dipping the cow’s teats, observe thesame precautions as with a tie stall. Take care not to get kicked or trampled also
when moving cows into and out of the barn.

3. Using feeding machinery and equipment
Injuries occur if a feed mixer or automatic feed dispenser jams and the operator
carelessly unblocks it with their hand, and the feeder suddenly restarts. If theequipment jams, ask your supervisor for instructions.
Be sure to turn off the machinery before unblocking the feed in accordance with the
instructions given. The same applies when carrying out inspection and maintenance.
Typical devices used for removing manure include a barn cleaner for scraping out
manure and bedding and a barn scraper for shoveling manure from the passageways.
Follow prescribed procedures when using this equipment. Additionally, observe
prescribed procedures when cleaning the cattle shed manually.

−2−2．Pig farm work
1. Pigs are easily frightened, so take care not to surprise them.

Donʼt surprise me!

2. Pigs may charge, so caution is required.
When driving pigs from one location to another, they may charge you, so
caution is required.

I sometimes charge!

3. When using feeding machinery and equipment, take care not to get yourhands caught.
Observe fixed procedures when cleaning the pig sty.

Automatic feeder

The screw inside anautomatic feeder

4. In a pig sty without windows, check the evacuation route in advance.

exit

−3−

Explanation
1. The characteristics of pigs
Pigs are very timid animals. If they become stressed, they do not gain weight, so
avoid frightening them. However, they are very curious animals and they will try to bite
projecting items and could get their necks caught in fencing and so on. They are also
delicate and value cleanliness, defecating in a specific place. Handle pigs with anunderstanding of these characteristics.

2. Points to note when moving pigs
In pig farming, it is sometimes necessary to move the pigs from one location toanother (e.g., in order to change pig sties according to their age and for breedingor other reasons). On these occasions, if you handle the pigs carelessly, they may
charge and injure you, so use special tools and follow the instructions of yoursupervisor.

3. Using feeding machinery and equipment
Injuries occur if a feed mixer or feed dispenser jams and the operator carelessly tries
to unblock it with their hand, and the feeder suddenly restarts. If the equipment jams,
ask your supervisor for instructions.
Be sure to turn off the machinery before unblocking the feed in accordance with the
instructions given. The same applies when carrying out inspection and maintenance.
In the pig sty, manure is handled with a place set up for defecation in the passageway,
or with slatted floors through which the manure falls.
When cleaning the pig sty, following the set procedures is the first step towards
avoiding injury.

4. Miscellaneous
In a pig sty without windows, be sure you know the evacuation route in case of fires orother emergencies.

−4−3．Chicken farm work
1. If the chickens become frightened, their agitation can raise dust, so take care
not to frighten them.

Donʼt surprise mewith loud noises!

Achoo!
2. Take care to prevent fires in the chicken coop.
In a chicken coop without windows, check the evacuation route in advance.

3. When using feeding machinery and equipment and egg sorting and packing
machinery (grading and packing center), take care not to get your handscaught.
Observe fixed procedures when cleaning the chicken coop.

−5−

Explanation
1. The characteristics of chickens
If the chickens become frightened by sudden noises or strong light, their agitation
can raise dust, so take care not to frighten them.

2. Fire preventionGas, oil or electric heating is typically used to provide heat for newly hatched chicks,
so be cautious of fire danger. Furthermore, in a chicken coop without windows, besure you know the evacuation route in case of fires or other emergencies.

3. Using feeding machinery and equipment
Injuries occur if a feed mixer or feed dispenser jams and the operator carelessly tries
to unblock it with their hand, and the feeder suddenly restarts. If the equipment jams,
ask your supervisor for instructions.
Be sure to turn off the machinery before unblocking the feed in accordance with the
instructions given. The same applies when carrying out inspection and maintenance.
Conveyors are used for gathering and sorting eggs, and egg sorting and packing
machinery (grading and packing center) is typically used for sorting and selecting
purposes. To prevent getting your fingers or clothing caught in this machinery, wear
work clothes with tight sleeves and do NOT use gloves.
In addition, when cleaning the chicken coop, following the set procedures is the firststep towards avoiding injury.

Miscellaneous
Chicken coops tend to be dusty, so use a dust mask as necessary. To prevent thechickens pecking each other and feather picking behavior, the tips of their beaks are
cut off, referred to as debeaking, when they are chicks.

−6−

Ⅱ. Cautions common to all types of work
1．Precautions before starting work
1. When performing farm work, wear appropriate clothing, a hat, footwear andnecessary protective gear suitable for each task so that your hair and clothing
does not get caught in the machinery.

CorrectWrong

2. In performing work, when there is something you do not understand, ask until
you understand it. There is no shame in asking many times.
3. If you notice that the machinery is not working normally or presents a danger,
notify the supervisor immediately.
4. Be sure to receive education and training concerning safety and health when
you start work. Observe all cautions provided.
5. Work to keep the workplace clean and tidy, and avoid leaving things lying
about.

−7−

Explanation
1. Clothing and protective gear
When performing farm work, wear appropriate clothing, a hat, footwear and necessary
protective gear suitable for each task so that your hair and clothing does not getcaught in the machinery.

3. Inspection of machinery and hardware
Before using machinery and hardware, be sure to inspect it first, including the safety
devices, protective covers and so on. Also, be sure that you know how to use themachinery properly.
If there is anything wrong with the machinery, hardware, safety devices and so on,
inform your supervisor and have it adjusted or repaired. Check that it is working
properly again before using it.

4. Training before starting work
When you first work at a farm where you will be using machinery and equipment, listen
carefully and be sure to understand the explanations for proper use, safety features,
work procedures, checks before starting work and other important points.
In addition, listen carefully and be sure to understand explanations about maintaining
a clean and tidy workplace, prevention of illness, what to do in an emergency and soon.

5. Cleanliness and tidiness
Cleanliness and tidiness are fundamental to ensuring safety and health, and are very
important for avoiding injuries.

−8−2．Cautions while working
1. W hile working, if you notice that machinery is not working normally orpresents a danger, notify the supervisor immediately.
2. When at work, concentrate on your own tasks. Chatting, horseplay, anddaydreaming leads to accidents.
3. Do not forget about safety and health even with simple and familiar tasks.
4. Take care not to become entangled in the moving parts of machinery.

5. Avoid tripping or falls when working.

6. Take care to avoid back injuries.

Bend your knees tolift heavy loads to
avoid back injury.

Wrong

Correct−9−

Use a dolly formoving heavy objects
wherever possible

Explanation
1. Inspection of machinery and hardware
If anything goes wrong with the machinery, hardware, safety devices and so on while
you are working, inform your supervisor and have it adjusted or repaired. Check that it
is working properly again before using it.

4. Prevention of entrapment
When using machinery that presents a moving hazard, wear clothing with tights
sleeves and a tight hem, tie up your hair and wear a hat or helmet. Do not wear a neckscarf or anything that can be caught easily, and do not wear gloves.
Do not put your hands near parts of the machine that move. Before cleaning,inspecting, or lubricating moving parts, stop the machinery completely.

5. Prevention of tripping and falls* Prevention of head injuries
When carrying out work that involves the risk of tripping, falling or flying objects, wear
a helmet or other protective headgear.
* Prevention of foot injuries and slipping
When carrying out work that may involve heavy objects dropping on your feet, flying
objects, or stepping on sharp objects such as nails, wear safety shoes, shin guards
or other appropriate footwear and protective gear. Select footwear with slip resistantsoles.
* Ladders
Do not set up a ladder on uneven ground. Make sure the latches are firmly locked inplace before using the ladder.
When placing a ladder, make sure that it is vertical when viewed from the front, and at
a proper angle in relation to the wall. If the top rung is placed directly against a curved
surface, the ladder is unstable and likely to slip sideways, so never place a ladderagainst a tree, pole, or similar object.

6. Prevention of back injury (work posture and handling of heavy objects)
Work performed in a strained posture with a significantly bent back or maintaining thesame posture for a long time can lead to stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and lower
back. It can also lead to accidents, so use an appropriate chair so you can maintain abetter working posture. Rest and do exercises to recover from work fatigue.
Carrying heavy objects can lead to falls and lumbar pain, so try to separate out loads,
get help from another person, or use a cart to reduce the load. When lifting heavyloads, bend your knees and keep the load close to your body.

− 10 −

3．Cautions when driving a forklift, etc.
1. Y ou can only operate a forklift if you have completed forklift operation
proficiency training.
2. You can only operate a shovel loader if you have completed shovel loader
operation proficiency training.
Iʼve completed theoperation training,so Iʼm qualiﬁed.

4．Cautions concerning the working environment
1. When working in a hot environment, particularly in summer, take care to avoid
heatstroke.

2. When working in a cold environment, particularly in winter, take care to avoid
industrial accidents as a result of physical impairment due to the cold.

− 11 −

Explanation
3. Operating a forklift
1. Y ou may be required to drive a forklift when moving bagged feed or on otheroccasions. For work involving the operation of a forklift with a maximum load of one
ton or more, you must have completed forklift operation proficiency training.
2. You may be required to drive a shovel loader for moving livestock manure. For work
involving the operation of a shovel loader with a maximum load of one ton or more,
you must have completed shovel loader operation proficiency training.
Vehicles that look like shovel loaders but with four-wheel drive are classified as
vehicular construction machinery. For work involving operating vehicular construction
machinery with a vehicle weight of three tons or more, you must have completed
vehicular construction machinery operation proficiency training.
If you do not have the above qualifications, you must not operate the respective
vehicles.

4. Working environment
1. When working in a hot environment, particularly in the summer, take the following
precautions to avoid heatstroke.
* Try to avoid working during the hottest time of day, take plenty of breaks, and try
to keep working hours as short as possible. Drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid
lost through sweating.
* W ear a hat and clothing that allows sweat to escape. Also, try to work in theshade as much as possible.
* When working indoors, try to ensure good ventilation so the temperature does not
rise significantly.
2. W hen working in a cold environment, particularly in the winter, pay attention
to the following points to avoid industrial accidents as a result of physicalimpairment due to the cold.
* Try to avoid working during the coldest time of day, take plenty of breaks to warm
up, and try to keep working hours in cold places as short as possible. Wear warm
clothing and gloves, and avoid losing significant amounts of body heat.
* If your hands or feet get chilled, warm them up to restore blood circulation andonly restart work when you are sure they can move properly.
* Sudden changes in temperature can have an adverse effect on body temperature
regulation and blood pressure, so adjust your clothing and so on appropriately.

− 12 −

5．Cautions concerning responding to abnormal situations
1. Check in advance how you should respond to abnormal situations.
2. Check the evacuation route in case of fire and the locations of firefighting
equipment.
3. Also check how you should respond to dangerous insects and animals suchas wasps, snakes, bears and so on.
4. Take cover promptly in a safe place during lightning or other bad weather.

6．Cautions concerning health1. Have a health examination when you start work and receive periodic healthexaminations, and take care of your health at all times.
2. Take care to avoid the factors leading to brain and heart disease.
Risk Factors in the
Working Environment
1. Fatigue from working long hours.
2. Fatigue, mental strain, and stressfrom working late at night, etc.

The Main Three Risk Factors in
Brain and Heart Disease
Risk Factors inEveryday Life

Risk Factors in HealthManagement

1. Lack of sleep.

1. Physical disorders identiﬁed during

2. Sudden weight gain from drinking andmedical checkups.

eating too much or an unbalanced diet,

2. Symptoms such as chest pain, etc.

etc.

3. Protect mental health.

− 13 −

Explanation
5 Responding to abnormal situations
1. Be sure of who you should inform in case of an accident or emergency. Learn theprocedures to follow in an emergency.
2. B e sure you know the evacuation route in case of fire, and where firefighting
equipment is located.
In particular, in any farm building without windows, be sure you know the evacuationroute in case of emergency.
3. Depending on the region and season, farm work can carry the risk of danger from
insects such as hornets, as well as snakes, bears and other animals. Understandhow you should respond and what to do if you are attacked.
3. Take cover promptly in a safe place such as inside a building during lightning orother bad weather. It is dangerous to take cover under a tree during lightning or athunderstorm.

6 Protecting your health1. H ave a health examination when you start work and receive periodic healthexaminations, and take care of your health at all times.
Lead a healthy lifestyle by avoiding excessive eating and drinking, and by getting
enough sleep and rest. Rest appropriately, manage your physical condition
carefully, and avoid accumulating work fatigue.
2. Every year, a number of technical intern trainees die suddenly from brain or heartdisease.
The risk factors for brain and heart disease are shown at left. If you have a high orvery high level of fatigue as determined by the JITCO Physical and Mental Health
Check Sheet (see Appendix), in particular try to reduce the following risk factors.
* Try to avoid long overtime as far as possible.
* Get sufficient sleep, and eat a balanced diet.
* Follow the instructions, if applicable, of the doctor concerning the results ofelectrocardiogram, serum lipids, blood pressure, blood sugar level, urine analysis
and other tests in your health examination.
3. Many technical intern trainees experience stress simply from living in a foreigncountry, and personal relationships in the workplace can also be another source ofstress.
Stress in humans can lead to various symptoms including anorexia, gastrodynia,
palpitations, chest pains, lethargy, insomnia, and loss of motivation.
Coping with stress* Aim to achieve a good lifestyle rhythm with enough sleep and a proper diet.
* G et appropriate recreation and entertainment such as listening to music,
watching videos, going shopping and pursuing personal interests.
* If you have a problem, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to your family, fellow interns,
advisor and so on about it.

− 14 −

Document 1 Prevention of traffic accidents
Follow these five traffic rules when commuting or shopping by bicycle.

Bicyclists should, as a rule, ridein the street or, in certain cases
only, on sidewalks.
The Road Traﬃc Law of Japan designate
bicycles

as

light

vehicles.

Bicyclists

aretherefore required, as a general principle, to ridewith car traﬃc on roads that are divided into
vehicle and pedestrian lanes.

Regulations concerning riding a normal bicycle on sidewalks○A bicycle can be ridden on sidewalks if:
1. It is indicated by road signs or other signs
2. The cyclist is a child
3. It is unavoidable due to the state of the roador traﬃc＊However, if a police oﬃcer or traﬃc warden deems
cycling on sidewalks a hazard to pedestrians andindicates that you should get oﬀ, you must comply.

○Pedestrians also have an obligation to avoid
walking on designated cycle paths.

Bicycles drive on the left sideof the road.

Pedestrians have the right ofway on sidewalks and inpedestrian lanes. All vehicles
must yield to pedestrians.
On sidewalks bicyclists must ride at a speed
slow enough to stop immediately and mustcome to a stop if they might interfere withpedestrian movement.

Bicyclists must ride on the left side of theroad and pass other vehicles on the left.

− 15 −

Follow Safety Rules■Do not ride after drinking■Two on a bicycle is prohibited

As with cars, riding a

Two on a bicycle isbicycle under theprohibited, unless theinﬂuence of alcohol ispassenger is a childprohibited.

under six years old.

■Riding two abreast is prohibited
Riding two abreast is
prohibited, unlessspeciﬁcally permitted.

■Bicyclists must use a light whenriding at night. Wear reﬂective
clothing.
When riding at night,
bicyclists must use afront light and backlight (or light reﬂectors).
Also be sure to wear
reﬂective clothing thatallows others on the road to see you.

■Obey all traﬃc signals.
Bicyclists must obey all
traﬃc signals. When
there is a separate
traﬃc signal for■Stop at all intersections and checkoncoming traﬃc.
Obey stop signs, andstop whenever a narrowroad opens up on to alarge road. Always checkpedestrians andbicyclists, bicyclists
must obey thisfor oncoming traﬃc
before proceeding.

designated signal.

Do not ride while using
a cell phone.

Stop!

Do not ride while holding
an umbrella.

Materials courtesy of the Japan Traffic Safety Association and National Police Agency− 16 −

Document 2 Check sheet for physical and mental health

!
ECK
H
C
s
Let’

Physical and Mental Health Check Sheet

Check items that apply to you within the past month.
1. Feel irritable

Hardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）

2. Feel anxious

Hardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）

3. Feel restless

Hardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）4. Feel depressed

Hardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）

5. Cannot sleep

Hardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）

6. Feel unwellHardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）

7. Cannot concentrate

Hardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）8. Make many mistakes

Hardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）9. Feel extremely sleepy during work

Hardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）10. Feel unmotivatedHardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）11. Feel exhausted (excluding following exercise)Hardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）12. Feel exhausted upon waking in the morning

Hardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）13. Get tired more easily than before

Hardly ever（0）Sometimes（1）Often（3）Add up the numbers in parentheses.

Total:

pointsDiagnosis

Your degree of fatigue is…

0-4 points

5-10 points 11-20 points 21 points or more

Level 1

Low

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4Slightly
High

High

Extremely
high!

People at levels 3 and 4 need to be
especially careful.

− 17 −

Document 3 Prevention of fires in dormitories

The risk of fires is increasing.
Be careful with fire in your dormitory (workplace accommodation)
Recently two fires have been reported in dormitories. The risk of fires is increasing through use
of fires for drying and heating in the winter.
In one case, a short circuit in a factory caused a fire, which spread to the dormitory on the same
premises, burning it down. In another other case, a two-story steel-frame building used as an
employee dormitory was destroyed when the technical intern trainees were away for training. Fires
tend to spread when there is nobody around or at night, causing the total destruction of the building.
This is a very dangerous situation. Fortunately, nobody was hurt or killed in these two fires, but the
passports, cash and clothing of the technical intern trainees were all destroyed.
This winter is expected to be colder than normal, and kerosene stoves are commonly used in thisseason. All supervising organizations and organizations implementing technical intern training arerequested to inspect the fire detectors, fire extinguishers, evacuation routes in dormitories andfactories, and work to raise the awareness of the technical intern trainees.

Learn how to use a ﬁreextinguisher

Carefully check emergency exits
and evacuation routes

Avoid carelessness withcigarettes and other possible
sources of combustion

Fire extinguisher

Pleasestay calm.

Make sure yourcigarette iscompletely
extinguished.

Be careful with cigarette butts!

Keep electrical outlets and plugs
free of dust and damage.

Keep workplaces clean andtidy where ﬁre is used

− 18 −

Be sure to conﬁrm the conditionsof the installed ﬁre alarm systemand conﬁrm that it works properly.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Printed March 2013