Work with animals

Every year, hundreds of people in Sweden are injured in occupational accidents involving animals. The injuries are often serious, with several injured so badly that they die. To reduce the number of accidents, the Swedish Work Environment Authority has adopted some rules to make your work safer.

On this page, we have put together some basic information about the content of the rules and how you can work to improve your work environment and make it safer.

Industries that involve animal handling

The industries that are most often associated with animal handling aside, the rules about working with animals (AFS 2008:17) also apply to all other businesses where people may come into contact with animals at work:

  • Agriculture
  • Animal medical care, veterinary work
  • Zoos
  • Riding schools
  • Equestrian sports
  • Police and customs officers
  • Social services
  • Pet technicians, farriers, hoof trimmers, people working with dogs and cats

Last updated 2020-12-30