Equine

BEVA to assess work-related injuries

vetreportSeptember 15, 2013

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has commissioned a group from the University of Glasgow, led by veterinary epidemiologist Dr Tim Parkin, to conduct a study looking at the injuries sustained by equine vets during their day-to-day work. The survey-based study is being run online and at BEVA Congress, 11-14 September 2013. The results will hopefully help to keep vets and aspiring vets appraised of the potential hazards involved in equine practice, help guide training and education to minimise risk and reduce financial losses associated with time off work.

Anecdotal evidence indicates that many of the 2500 equine veterinary surgeons working in the UK may sustain a significant number of injuries as part of their work with horses. However the prevalence and type of these injuries has never been quantified.

BEVA members based in the UK are being asked to complete a broad-based questionnaire, either at BEVA Congress or online about their equine work-related injury and illness history. Questions include the number of lifetime injuries, details of most significant injuries during working lifetime, injuries to other involved parties, details of any chronic equine work related health issues and time lost from work per year due to injury and illness.

Participants will remain anonymous and the confidential data will be analysed to estimate the occurrence of different types of injury or illness affecting equine vets and horse handlers, to quantify time off work and to estimate the financial cost of equine work-related injury to the industry in terms of days off work.

Outgoing BEVA President, Keith Chandler, commented:  “The results should help equine vets and their employers to develop measures to control the risks to which they are exposed. Sector educators will be able to adapt training requirements accordingly and horse owners, horse-keepers and trainers can be made aware of the safest ways to prepare and handle horses to reduce chances of injury. We are hoping that all our members will recognise the importance of participating, for the future safety and efficacy of our industry.”

BEVA is funding this important study with support from the Veterinary Defence Society (VDS). It should take no more than five minutes to complete. Visit www.beva.org.uk.