Veterinary Hazards
Introduction
Veterinary practice settings and other facilities that handle animals have a unique set of occupational health and safety issues. Like all other businesses in Washington veterinary clinics are subject to regulation under the Department of Labor & Industries' WISHA division. All veterinary clinics must have a written Accident Prevention Program in place identifying specific workplace hazards and interventions chosen to reduce each hazard.
Common Hazards in Veterinary Medicine
- Physical hazards - falls, animal bites, needlestick/sharps injuries, ergonomics hazards, ionizing radiation
- Chemical hazards - Anesthetic gas, ethylene oxide, insecticides and disinfectants, latex glove allergy
- Biologic hazards - zoonotic and vector borne diseases, live vaccines, asthma and allergies
Regulatory Information
- WISHA Core Rules - Contains WISHA regulations for all employers including Employers Responsibilites, Employees Responsibilities, Safety Committees and Safety Meetings, Accident Prevention Program, First Aid, Personal Protective Equipment, and Chemical Hazard Communication
- Recordkeeping and Reporting WAC 296-27
- Ethylene Oxide, WAC 296-62, Part G - sections 07355 through 07389
- Formaldehyde, WAC 296-62, Part I - sections 07540 through 07548
Resources
- Washington State Veterinary Medical Association
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Preventing Asthma in Animal Handlers
- Preventing Allergic Reactions to Natural Rubber Latex
Occupational
Health and Safety Issues in Veterinary Practice . A Powerpoint
presentation developed by WISHA/Policy and Technical Services staff. - Ounce of Prevention (Module 1) - A video to assist veterinary practice owners in developing safety and health and hazard communication programs.
- Ounce of Prevention (Module 2) - A video to assist in training employees on the hazards of working in a veterinary clinic.
- Safety Video Library - A searchable online video catalog.
