In August 2014 a report was commissioned by BEVA into work related injuries to equine practitioners. The findings showed that being an equine vet is one of the highest risk civilian occupations and it was clear more guidance was needed so that equine practitioners and those affected by their action could carry out their tasks with horses more safely.

BEVA has produced a document to provide guidance for those handling and involved with equines.  It aims to make workers aware of the steps that they can take to make their jobs as safe as reasonably possible and how to risk assess a situation and limit the risk that they and others are exposed to.

The document, which sits alongside a behavioural guide written by Gemma Pearson, is available below:

Managing Equine Risks

Spotting Signs of Arousal 

Motorways and Trunk Roads: Health and Safety advice for Animal Rescue Organisations and Individuals

In February 2018 we launched a series of seven short video tutorials featuring vet and equine behaviourist Gemma Pearson and practitioner Malcolm Morley. The videos provide quick and simple techniques to help horse owners prepare their horses to be quiet, relaxed and safe for veterinary, and other procedures, including clipping and giving oral medication such as wormers. 

The videos are available on our YouTube channel and we would encourage you to continue to share these with your clients. 

Hand hygiene reduces bacteria on the hands as well as those objects that hands come into contact with; transient bacteria are acquired via contamination and easier to remove from hands. Use of gloves does not provide complete protection against contamination. Avoid washing the hands with soap and water as much as possible. Hands should only be washed if visibly soiled, otherwise alcohol disinfection is preferred. It is important all staff have suitable instruction, education, and constant reinforcement to hand hygiene.