Etiology and consequences of injuries to veterinary technicians

Little is known about work-related injuries to Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs). A two-phase study was implemented to determine the frequency and consequences of and risk factors for injuries in all 1,427 CVTs, certified in Minnesota. First, a mailed survey collected data on demographics, personal characteristics, injury occurrences, and consequences from the previous 12 months (74% response). Subsequently, a mailed case-control study of bite injuries collected data on bite exposures, activities, clinic or department characteristics, use of animal restraint, and workplace safety culture. Cases (n=301) were questioned about exposures in the month before the incident; controls (n=567) were questioned about exposures on a randomly selected working month from all months during the study period. We identified potentially confounding variables for multiple logistic regression from causal directed acyclic graphs. Injury rates per 100 persons per year included: all injuries, 188; and bites, 69. Of the most severe injuries, primary types were: bites, 52%; cuts/lacerations/scratches, 31%; bruises/contusions, 22%; abrasions, 9%; sprains/strains, 7%; punctures/needle sticks, 5%. For all injuries leading sources were: cats (47%), dogs (35%), and lifting animals or equipment (9%). Injury consequences included: treatment, 78%; restricted work activity, 27%; lost time from work, 13%; and persistent symptoms, 9%. Multivariate modeling identified increased risks for handling animals <5 years, belief injuries not preventable, <25 years of age, and reduced risks for working <8 hours/week, and working in university, mixed, or commercial industrial practices. Many CVTs experience injuries with serious consequences. Further identification of risk factors is integral to the development of preventive interventions.