‘It’s only a flesh wound’ – Understanding the safety culture in equine, production animal and mixed veterinary practices

The veterinary industry has some of the highest rates of non-fatal work-related injuries, yet safety culture remains unexplored. Utilising a survey distributed to all UK employees of a consolidated group of veterinary practices, this study aimed to describe the prevalence of work-related injuries in equine, production animal, and mixed veterinary practices, and to understand the behaviours of injured persons. There were 144 respondents. Over 90 % of clinicians experienced injury during their careers, versus a third of non-clinical staff. Injuries to equine veterinarians were predominately kicks to the leg or head, and usually involved the examination of a horse’s distal limb, with most not wearing hard hats. Production animal veterinarians’ injuries included crushed hands and feet, and kicks to legs. Injuries often lead to hospital attendance (>25 % equine, >40 % production animal), yet few took time off work. Veterinarians avoided taking time off work after injuries. Reasons included; minimisation of injury severity, not wanting to ‘let the team down’, and feelings of guilt. Many planned behaviour change post-injury, including using protective headwear, increasing awareness of surroundings, and using better restraint. Most injuries went unreported due to lack of awareness, acceptance of injury risk, time constraints, and believing reporting would have no impact. This study exposes a culture in large animal veterinary workplaces that normalises injuries and undervalues safety. The lack of protective measures and the tendency to continue working despite serious injuries, highlight a need for urgent cultural and systemic change. Improved safety practices, practice leadership commitment, and comprehensive training are essential to address this deep-seated issue and fostering a safer work environment.