Veterinary college safety inspection: A teaching exercise in occupational safety and health and human services

Occupational safety is an important topic for the education of veterinarians because it minimizes the risk of injury or illness for themselves and their employees. In 1993, a new exercise in occupational safety was incorporated into the mandatory public-health rotation for fourth-year veterinary students at the University of Minnesota. After an introductory lecture and discussion each student inspected an area of the veterinary college, using an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) checklist developed for veterinary practices. At least three safety hazards were identified by almost every student, who subsequently proposed corrective measures for one of the hazards. The observations were presented to the other students at the end of the rotation and discussed with the instructors. Lack of preparedness in case of fire was the most serious risk identified. Hazard observations were relayed to college administrators and resulted in correction of some of the hazards. The exercise increased student interest in occupational safety, provided experience with OSHA safety requirements, and identified risks to college personnel and students.