Is your hospital really safe?

Abstract

The large number of responses to our first Practitioners’ Exchange question (see Sept 1, 1993 issue of the JAVMA) suggests that veterinarians are concerned about complying with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, but that many veterinarians are uncertain how best to set up an OSHA compliance program in their own hospitals. With this issue, we present the first in a series of articles dealing with OSHA regulations and giving practical ways for veterinarians to comply with the OSHA standards. In future articles, the author will discuss some of the common hazards in veterinary hospitals, implementation of a hazard communication plan, and development of a hospital emergency action plan. While reading these articles, remember that, although they represent the best information available at the time they were written, they cannot be considered definitive. Regulations are subject to change, and, in the end, only personnel from OSHA can tell you exactly how to comply with the OSHA guidelines. However, we believe that by following the suggestions in this and future articles, veterinarians will be able to create a hospital safety program that will substantially comply with OSHA guidelines and that will ensure a safe workplace for themselves and their employees.— Kurt J. Matushek, Assistant Editor.