Point of concern: The hidden risks and realities of veterinary needlestick injuries
This session explores the often-overlooked hazards surrounding sharps in clinical practice. While a minor puncture may seem routine, needlesticks present significant veterinary occupational health threats, including exposure to zoonotic pathogens, cytotoxic vaccine adjuvants, sedatives, and soft tissue infections. This session explores common clinical scenarios leading to sharps injuries, offers practical prevention strategies, and highlights why a strong safety culture is essential for staff well-being. Attendees will gain a clear breakdown of first-aid protocols to minimise exposure severity, alongside statutory and practice reporting duties. By understanding proper incident documentation and root-cause reflection, teams can turn accidental exposures into actionable safety improvements across the clinic.
- By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify high-risk clinical scenarios, pharmaceuticals, and biological agents associated with veterinary needlestick injuries.
- Execute immediate, effective first-aid procedures following a sharps puncture or exposure.
- Fulfil practice protocols and statutory reporting duties to ensure compliance and prevent future incidents.
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}