Why are health and safety so important in a veterinary practice? In any veterinary practice it is vital to maintain standards to ensure that humans and animals are protected from avoidable harm. By ensuring that all precautions have been taken, fewer accidents will occur in the workplace, which means having the peace of mind of knowing that everything possible has been done to keep everyone safe. The veterinary environment can be fast-paced and ever-changing, with people and animals coming and going at all times; therefore it is very easy for bacteria to spread from one place to another and could cause/spread diseases. Additionally, this means that any tripping hazards could be extremely risky. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayThe different drugs given to animals could also be harmful if ingested by the wrong recipient. It is therefore essential that correct storage/disposal is provided. Tips for working safely at the vet (and manual handling and lifting) Make sure any spills are cleaned up as soon as they occur, to reduce the likelihood of slips. Provide adequate facilities for cleaning/disposal of equipment. Keep your studio organized and tidy to minimize the possibility of moving around and also to allow you to find things easily. It is important that employees receive a high level of training so that they know how to handle and restrain animals. Keep all walkways and corridors clear. Make sure there are safe places and that they are locked so that they cannot be opened by anyone other than employees. Do not allow food/drink during the study (where appropriate). Do not allow other people inside the x-ray room other than the x-ray technician. Clearly label all medications to avoid, administering them the wrong way, at the wrong dosage, or with the wrong medication. Make sure all employees are trained and know exactly what to do in an emergency, and make sure they know how to stay calm to reduce the amount of chaos. Different animals may require to be handled in different ways, please ensure staff are aware of this. Although he is unlikely to visit the vet, his important heavy loads are carried in the correct way, to avoid back injuries. Animal Welfare Act 2006 Statutes that all animals kept must have all 5 needs listed below: Must have an adequate diet Must have a suitable environment Must be housed with/separated from others Must be able to display normal behavior patterns Must be protected from pain, injury, illness and suffering The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 The Health and Safety at Work Act, passed in 1974, sets standards for the workplace. At the veterinary clinic, veterinarians and nurses should be protected from risks as well as patients and their owners. This law places the responsibility on the owner to ensure that anyone entering the workplace is protected as much as possible from any risks relating to their health and safety. Under the law, employers have a legal responsibility to their employees to: Ensure they are safe when transporting materials They must provide training and supervision (if necessary) for the job. The employer should keep up with workplace maintenance Above all, it is their responsibility to.