‘It’s only a flesh wound’ – Understanding the safety culture in equine, production animal and mixed veterinary practices.

The research focuses on the high incidence of non-fatal work-related injuries in the veterinary industry, particularly amongst those dealing with large animals such as horses and livestock, and the prevailing workplace culture that tends to normalize these injuries and undervalue safety. It uncovers reasons behind the underreporting of injuries and the reluctance to adopt protective measures, pointing to an urgent need for enhanced safety protocols, leadership commitment, and training.

Study Participants and Research Method

• The research relied on survey data collected from employees of a consolidated group of veterinary practices based in the UK. These surveys covered equine, production animal, and mixed veterinary practices. A total of 144 individuals responded.

Findings on Injury Prevalence

• According to the study, over 90% of clinicians had suffered injuries during their careers, compared to a third of non-clinical employees.
• In the case of equine veterinarians, most injuries came in the form of kicks to the legs or head during examination of a horse’s distal limb. Notably, most of these professionals did not wear hard hats at the time of injury.
• Production animal veterinarians experienced crush injuries to their hands and feet, as well as kicks to their legs.
• These injuries often necessitated a visit to the hospital but rarely resulted in taking time off work. Over 25% of equine related and over 40% of production animal related injuries led to hospital attendance.

Veterinarians’ Response to Injuries

• The study found a commonality amongst veterinarians to continue with work even after sustaining injuries. Reasons for this included downplaying the severity of the injury, fear of disappointing the team, and feelings of guilt.
• Many professionals planned changes to their behaviour post-injury, such as wearing protective headgear, being more aware of their surroundings, or using better restraint methods.

Issues with Injury Reporting

• The research indicates a widespread problem of underreporting of injuries due to factors like ignorance about the necessity to report, a general acceptance of injury risk as part of the nature of the job, time limitations, and the belief that reporting would not effect a change.

Addressing the Safety Culture in Veterinary Practices

• The study underscores the predominant culture in large animal veterinary workplaces that normalizes injuries and devalues safety. The lack of adoption of protective measures and the prevalence of working despite injuries signal a pressing need for a cultural and systemic shift.
• Improving safety measures, instilling commitment to safety at the leadership level, and comprehensive education and training are key in resolving this issue and promoting a safe work environment.