Even such subtleties as color and lighting can have adverse effects animals being worked. Many times, Zoellner says, we overlook the little things, like picking up that loose piece of baling wire, or waiting too long to repair or pick up broken boards. These little things actually pose a threat to us and to our animals. Zoellner points out that often we don't make adjustments or modify our equipment to make it safer because we are in a hurry or because we just want to make do with what we've got. Sometimes we have to make do for economic reasons, but there needs to be an element of common sense and safety involved in those decisions.
Safe equipment is more of an investment than an expensive luxury.
Because livestock are able to perceive colors, handling facilities should be painted in one color only. All species of livestock are likely to balk at a sudden change in color or texture. This is also true with respect to texture changes at ground level. To judge depth at ground level the animal must stop and lower its head. This explains why animals make a complete stop to look at something strange on the ground.