Working as a veterinarian is rewarding but comes with risks and hazards. Veterinarians have the potential to suffer repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), neck and back pain, headaches or migraines, sprains, and muscle strains. Physical hazards like slips, trips, punctures, lacerations, bites, and scratches are also common. Remember to set up sufficient safety measures, including disability insurance for soon-to-be veterinarians.
3 Basic Safety Measures And Hazards
A veterinarian’s work environment offers many hazards. Cuts and infections can be as common as slips, trips, and falls. Exposure to chemicals, zoonotic diseases, and psychological stress are also concerns. Here are three basic safety measures veterinarians can follow to avoid common hazards and threats:
1. Purchase Insurance Coverage
The first thing any veterinarian should do is purchase enough coverage to protect them from known risks. An injury/illness can keep you out of work for days, weeks, or even months. Purchasing adequate coverage can protect your professional income, practice, and business when you cannot work.
Disability insurance for soon to be veterinarians is an example of policies you should consider once you start working with animals. You should also consider other policies to cover different liabilities, including injury and damages to third parties. Insurance is invaluable whether you run a private practice or have a startup with a few support personnel. Compare top short-term and long-term policies to determine the best insurance for your practice.
2. Study Your Potential Risks
Veterinarians should study the behavior of the animals they work with. Studying the animals allows you to decode aggressive behavior, spot illness symptoms, and take necessary precautions. You can work with insurance providers to build a profile of top risks.
Veterinarians should make themselves aware of any risks beforehand to plan the right course of action for specific patients. Studying the animals will allow you to arrive prepared with the right gear, footwear, and treatment plan. Insurance providers will only cover damages if you hold up your end of the deal. Your policy may not cover injuries and damages stemming from negligent acts. Learning and preparing for any dangers allows you to deploy preventative measures.
3. Follow Basic Safety Tips
Veterinarians have various safety procedures for animal handling and restraining, ergonomic and musculoskeletal hazards, eye hazards, and heat stress. You should approach the animals cautiously, stay alert, and take precautions against zoonotic diseases. Find ways to minimize allergic reactions and inspect all your handling materials for safety. Wear personal protective equipment and dispose of medical waste correctly.
Gloves can protect you from cuts and infections. If you get bruised or injured, apply antiseptic and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Keep your spaces clean and free of spills and obstructions. Restrain animals correctly and install warning signs where required. Watch for exposure to chemicals and medications, and be mindful of your posture to avoid back injuries. Keep away from ionizing radiation and laser hazards.
Veterinarian Safety Directives & Legal Requirements
Veterinarians must comply with all government directives and safety recommendations. The regulations are different depending on your practice. Whether you’re soon to graduate, have a private practice, or run a veterinary business, stick to the provided standards and guidelines. You should purchase insurance coverage and set up sufficient safety protocols. Here are some safety recommendations:
• Install fire extinguishers and warnings
• Have an exit plan to avoid being cornered
• Install safe floors and structures
• Maintain equipment in good working condition
• Perform a blood scan and overall health check regularly
• Drive safely between jobs to prevent car accidents
• Reassess risks periodically to find better solutions
Disability Insurance For Soon To Be Veterinarians
Veterinarians have the potential to be injured at work. Injuries can come from bites, scratches, lacerations, infections, back pain, migraines, and stress. Some injuries like a car accident, getting trampled, fire, or chemical exposure may leave you disabled and unable to return to work.
Disability insurance is designed for students looking forward to graduating in the veterinarian field. You should have an insurance policy before interacting with animals or specimens in a lab. Whether you’re in the field or inside an office, purchase adequate coverage to protect your income and livelihood in case of a disability.