ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews common injuries and rates of injuries in veterinarians and veterinary staff in practice. Preventive measures to reduce risks are also covered. Included injuries are bites, scratches, needlestick injuries, falls, noise exposure, kicking, crushing, trampling, cutting injuries, automobile accidents, and workplace violence.
Ergonomic hazards include lifting, bending, pulling, pushing, prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, and repetitive upper extremity injuries. Combined with the changes in the body associated with pregnancy, the risks of discomfort and pregnancy complications can be increased. The possible sequelae associated with these hazards as they pertain to pregnant individuals are discussed, along with recommended preventive measures.
Practice profiles describe injuries sustained by both small and large animal veterinarians during pregnancy and tips from an equine veterinarian on safely working with large animals during pregnancy.
