Milking Cows

1) Parlor milking-Cows are milked in a raised area eliminating the need to bend or squat. Workers wash the teats with sprayers hanging from the ceiling, removing milk from the udder prior to milking and attaching the milking unit (around 6 lbs.).

2) Pipeline milking– milking units are transported to the animals. Equipment is either carried by the milker or on a cart. The milking unit weighs about 8-10 lbs. Involves more overhead work and work at shoulder level. Workers must bend or squat to attach and remove milking units. Milking equipment needs to be washed and involves sustained forward bending, repetitive lifting, sometimes heavy lifting and a sustained reach.