Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Occupational health hazards in veterinary medicine: physical, psychological, and chemical hazards.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Epp, Tasha & Waldner, Cheryl
- Affiliation:
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences · Canada
Plain-English summary
This study looked at the health risks faced by veterinarians in western Canada, focusing on physical injuries, mental stress, and exposure to chemicals. A large majority, about 93%, reported experiencing some kind of injury in the last five years, with 17% needing time off work because of it. Stress levels varied, with most veterinarians feeling moderate stress, while a small number reported either no stress or very high stress. Many veterinarians who work with animals, especially those taking X-rays, reported accidental exposure to radiation or gas anesthetics. Overall, the findings suggest that veterinarians in this region face significant risks of injury and stress from both their work with animals and other factors.
Abstract
This paper reports physical, psychological, and chemical hazards relevant to western Canadian veterinarians as obtained by a self-administered mailed questionnaire. Nine-three percent (750/806) of veterinarians reported some form of injury during the previous 5 years; 17% of respondents (131/791) indicated injuries that resulted in 1 or more days off work. Median stress levels were similar across work environments; overall, 7% (57/813) indicated either no stress or severe stress, while 53% (428/813) indicated moderate stress. Twenty percent (3/15) of food animal practitioners and 37% (114/308) of companion animal practitioners who took X-rays reported accidental exposure. Accidental exposure to gas anesthetic was reported by 69% (394/570) of those in private practice. Exposure to chemicals occurred in all work environments. Veterinarians in western Canada are at risk of minor to severe injury due to both animal and non-animal related causes.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22851776/