According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people in the veterinary services profession were the second most likely to have nonfatal injuries in 2016, behind nursing and residential care workers and ahead of truss makers, police officers, and firefighters. About 12 percent of people in the veterinary services profession reported work-related injuries or illnesses—four times the average for all professions—although the profession had few on-the-job deaths.
The data show that clinic staff other than veterinarians—veterinary technicians in particular—are at the highest risk of injury.
Source: JAVMA, November 2018. Link.
NIOSH recommends that employers in veterinary medicine and other animal care fields write detailed safety and health programs, tell employees about hazards, promote safe habits and infection control practices, maintain equipment, and document training, immunizations, and injuries and illnesses.
Also see: The blunt truth about sharps safety, Animal Health Digest, July 17, 2018. Link.
INSIGHTS: View two or three episodes of any veterinary TV show and the importance of human safety is obvious. Safety initiatives are important to animal health pros, but also have impact when clients are included in safety plans. Note the resources guide for veterinarians and clinic managers who want to reduce workplace risks and wanting guidance.