The relationship between worker safety on pig farms and animal welfare outcomes.
Key Facts
Stockperson wellbeing is closely correlated with the welfare of animals in their care
Worker burnout, stress, and high turnover are associated with poorer welfare outcomes
Safe and pleasant working conditions support stockperson job satisfaction
Aggressive pigs following poor socialisation pose safety risks to workers
Investing in worker welfare delivers animal welfare co-benefits on pig farms
Welfare Considerations
Stockperson wellbeing is not separable from animal welfare, and farms that invest in worker safety and satisfaction achieve better welfare outcomes for their pigs.
What You Can Do
Support industry initiatives addressing stockperson wellbeing in pig farming
Advocate for working conditions standards in animal welfare assurance schemes
Encourage pig producers to measure and improve worker satisfaction alongside welfare indicators