Veterinarians that visit clients residing in rural areas need to be aware of safety and hazards that may be on a farm. Veterinary advice can help with animal and human safety. Keep your eyes open for any safety concerns!
Here are 5 resources to equip yourself with safety knowledge when visiting clients in rural areas:
1. Know your local Centers for Agricultural and Safety and Health. The Centers were developed by a cooperative agreement to conduct research, education, and prevention projects to address the nation’s pressing agricultural, forestry and fishing health and safety problems.
2. Visit the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety. Agricultural worksites are one of the nation’s most hazardous worksites and the only one where children of any age may be present.
3. Become knowledgeable on different agricultural safety practices such as the Cost Effective Rollover Protective Structures. In short, if you or someone you are with is operating a wheeled agricultural tractor, the safest and simplest thing you can do is always wear a seat belt in the event of a rollover.
4. Be aware of chronic and acute health risks for farmers and farmworkers which includes but is not limited to: Exposure to farm chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers, exposure to high levels of dust, which can contain mold, bacteria, animal droppings, and other things, exposure to loud noises and sounds which can result in hearing loss, and risk of injury from working with livestock.
5. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s Occupational Pesticide Safety and Health program to better understand safe handling of these chemicals.
Interested in learning more about workplace safety?
Veterinary facilities are some of the most regulated businesses in the country, and chances are OSHA requirements aren’t at the top of your list of concerns. The GVMA Guide to Safety Regulations and OSHA Compliance in the Veterinary Practice has nearly 100 pages of helpful tips and tools that will solve your OSHA compliance needs and keep your practice running smoothly, within the law. We’ve just solved your OSHA concerns, now all you need to do is order your book today!
