Only falls and horses: accidents and injuries in racehorse training.

The research carried out a survey on accidents and injuries that occurred in English horseracing stables throughout 2008 in order to gauge the extent of occupational health risks in the industry.

Research Methodology

• The research utilised a Racing Injury Accident Statistical Survey which was disseminated to all the 716 training yards or stables associated with the British Horseracing Authority.
• The survey, conducted in April and May of 2009, requested data on all accidents and injuries recorded in these establishments during the calendar year 2008.
• The size of the stables varied greatly, with the number of employees ranging from 1 to 121 (with an average of 9) and the number of horses ranging from 0 to 243 (with an average of 6). The research covered 30% of the total 7558 UK yard staff and 6420 horses.

Results of the Survey

• Out of the 256 yards that provided valid responses, 130 (51%) reported that they had no accidents during 2008.
• The remaining 126 yards reported a total of 665 accidents for that year. This translates into an average of 5 accidents per stable or 3 accidents per yard when accounting for the entire sample size.
• On a monthly basis, an average of 53 accidents related to horses was reported. A significant majority, 96% of the total accidents, were directly linked to horses.
• Half of these accidents needed some form of medical attention or treatment.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• The researchers concluded that this study covered a representative sample of the horseracing industry. The collected data presented a comprehensive coverage of risks, accidents, and injuries in the horseracing training industry.
• Beyond just presenting the data, the researchers also proposed recommendations for managing and mitigating these accidents in the industry.