It is incumbent on the veterinarian who is an employer to inform all employees or volunteers regarding the job hazards that may affect the health of employees or volunteers in the veterinary practice in which they are employed. Those hazards are listed as physical, chemical, and biological.

Federal law requires that each veterinary practice design and implement a written plan that describes how each workplace complies with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. (See: www.osha.gov) Veterinary employers should also become familiar with the occupational hazard laws of their own state, understand the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Title VII, and state statutes which specifically regulate maternity leave policies.

It is essential for employers to conduct and document two steps in employee management: (1) new employee indoctrination (2) counseling during high-risk situations.

1. Orientation and Indoctrination
   The initial step for any administrative protocol dealing with employees involves orientation and indoctrination. During these orientation discussions, which should normally occur on the first day or during the first week of employment, all employees should be instructed regarding hazards in the workplace and their responsibility regarding risk and work hazards.

   In addition to the Hazard Communication Plan, other written material should be provided. There are occupational hazards that are exclusively or more significantly detrimental to pregnant women and the unborn. Women, particularly those who aspire to be pregnant, must be made aware of these hazards in their practice environment.

   New employees should be trained in the use of personal protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, masks, and protective clothing) and in the use of exhaust ventilation. Employees should be trained for emergency response to spills, chemical releases, or accidents. Employees should be aware of evacuation procedures.

   Lasers
   The use of lasers in Veterinary Medicine is becoming more common and it is paramount that the operator of the laser as well as the employer and all employees be thoroughly versed in the use and hazards of the use of the laser. Laser equipment must be maintained properly and used appropriately for the type of equipment and type of procedure.

   Veterinarians are referred to the ANSI Z136.3 Standards amended in Appendix B-B17, "Use of Lasers in Surgical and other Medical Specialties."

   Each new employee should be required to read and sign a form such as that shown in Figure 1 indicating that the employee has been made aware of the risks and hazards. An important point to be considered in signing this document is that a female employee should be instructed that it is her responsibility to notify her supervisor if she is pregnant or suspects she is pregnant. (Additional information can be found in the AVMA position statement titled: "Veterinary Facility Occupation Risks for the Pregnant Employee".)

2. Counseling during high risk situations
   The next point for action on the part of the employer occurs when an employee discloses illness, temporary injury, or pregnancy. The employer should advise the employee to seek counsel regarding any future restrictions to the employee's schedule that are appropriate. Termination or involuntary leave-of-absence should not occur. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act makes it illegal for an employer to fire an employee because they are pregnant.

Selected bibliography and References
Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions: Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel; National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Veterinary Infection Control Committee; http://www.avma.org/services/Compendium_of_Veterinary_Standard_Precautions.pdf (PDF)
Model Infection Control Plan for Veterinary Practices; National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) Veterinary Infection Control Committee (VICC); http://www.avma.org/services/model_infection_control_plan.rtf (.rtf)
J Am Vet Med Assoc 2008 May 15; 232(10):1445-7 (http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/may08/080515n.asp) Study links occupational exposures with risk of miscarriage
What Precautions Should We Take for Pregnant Workers (AVMA PLIT) http://avmaplit.com/uploadedFiles/AVMAPLIT/Publications/Safety_and_Loss_Control/Precautions%20For%20Pregnant%20Workers.pdf (PDF, 32Kb)
Aust Vet J 2000 Sep; 78(9):625-9; Disease and injury among veterinarians. Jeyaretnam J, Jones H, Phillips M.
Aust Vet J 2000 Nov; 78(11):751-8; Physical, chemical and biological hazards in veterinary practice. Jeyaretnam J, Jones H.
J Am Vet Med Assoc 1999 Nov 15; 215(10):1433-5; Survey of occupational hazards in large animal practices. Poole AG, Shane SM, Kearney MT, McConnell DA.
J Am Vet Med Assoc 1998 May 1; 212(9):1386-8; Survey of occupational hazards in companion animal practices. Poole AG, Shane SM, Kearney MT, Rehn W.
Am J Ind Med 1989; 16(1):55-66; Prevalence of hazardous exposures in veterinary practice. Wiggins P, Schenker MB, Green R, Samuels S.
Occup Med 1999 Apr-jun; 14(2):181-94; Physical hazards of animal handlers. Langley R.
Occup Med 1999 Apr-Jun; 14(2):225-34; Anesthesia hazards to animal works. Meyer RE.
J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996 Jul 1; 209(1):75-7; Commentary and recommendations on control of waste anesthetic gases in the workplace. American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists
J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001 Apr 15; 218(8):1251-2; Practices should take precautions to protect pregnant workers. Crimmins WF, Vice President of Loss Control, Mack and Parker, Inc., 55 East Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604

View Figure 1 - New Employee or Volunteer Notification (PDF)