Work Safe Australia’s national vision is a Safe and healthy work for all. CVS Australia aims to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the workplace. Whilst Health & Safety regulations in Australia differ between states and territories, they all emphasise the importance of risk assessment, hazard spotting and the development of proactive control measures.
Common hazards within CVS Australia sites include:
Animal-related injuries: Depending on the nature of the work, encounters with wildlife or domesticated animals can pose risks. We ask all colleagues to remain cautious when examining or handling animals and follow established protocols to reduce risks of injury from bites and scratches.
Slips, trips, and falls: Uneven terrain, wet surfaces, trailing cables, spillages or cluttered work areas can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. We ask all colleagues to maintain good housekeeping practices, wear appropriate clothing including footwear, and be mindful of their surroundings. Clean as you go and use warning signs where appropriate.
Manual handling: Tasks that involve lifting, carrying, or moving objects can lead to musculoskeletal injuries if not performed correctly. Appropriate training and ergonomic practices are essential to minimise the risk of injury. We ask any colleagues unsure about safe lifting techniques to must speak with their line manager or undertake our safe handling course on Knowledge Hub.
Health & Safety Contacts: Of course, this is not an exhaustive list and you will never be expected to deal with such hazards alone. Your line manager plays a crucial role in addressing health and safety concerns in the workplace. Line managers should respond promptly to reports of health and safety issues and take appropriate action to address them. The CVS Health & Safety Team is also available to provide guidance where needed.
Please contact us at HandS@cvsvets.com
While your patients may be the most important thing to you, you are just as important to us. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health and there are many ways that we promote a positive work environment.
Open Communication: We encourage open communication and dialogue among team members. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to your line manager or the CVS Health & Safety Team for support.
Work-life Balance: Prioritise work-life balance and encourage employees to take breaks and recharge. Recognise and celebrate achievements to foster a positive and supportive workplace culture.
Conflict Resolution: You Line Managers will look to address conflicts or issues promptly and respectfully, implementing effective conflict resolution strategies to resolve disputes and maintain a harmonious work environment.
Bullying and harassment: We prioritise a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and harassment, ensuring clear guidelines are established and communicated to all of our colleagues. We have a whistle-blowing system in place and robust reporting mechanisms, providing support for victims, and swiftly addressing complaints through thorough investigations which are essential steps to create a safe and respectful work environment for everyone.
There are a number of free online courses available through the Knowledge Hub platform which are designed to support you and to build a stronger working relationship and healthier culture where you work. These include:
• Mental Health Awareness
• Psychological Safety
• Supporting the Wellbeing of Your Team (for managers)
By fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, we aim to prioritise your well-being and ensure a positive work environment for everyone.
Within CVS Australia, we utilise Safety Hub, an online health and safety system, to report accidents/incidents and near misses. All accidents/near miss incidents that occur at work should be reported on the platform as it helps us keep you safer by allowing us to spot accident trends and to then take steps to reduce the risks to you and your colleagues at work.
Scan the QR code: Located on the handy Safety Hub info poster displayed in your practice (and as below), the QR code provides easy access to the Safety Hub platform. You can use mobile devices to scan the code and report incidents directly from any location.
Prompt Reporting: It’s important to promptly report accidents/ incidents and near misses to ensure steps to reduce risk can be taken. This includes providing details of the incident, such as what happened, location, time, individuals involved and any immediate action taken. The form in Safety Hub is simple to use and accessible anywhere with internet signal. Photos and any appropriate documents can be added as evidence and it is all useful in helping us to paint a picture as to what happened.
Review Process: Line managers and in the event of serious accidents, the CVS Health and Safety team review reported accidents/incidents and near misses to identify trends and areas for improvement. This feedback helps in implementing preventive measures to minimise future risks.
Risk assessments are an important part of maintaining a safe working environment. You can find generic risk assessments on Safety Hub which set out the key risks in a veterinary environment and control measures to mitigate those risks. Your practice may have site-specific ones and the Health & Safety Team are on hand to assist with any amendments or new risk assessments that may be needed. Not all risk assessments are written down and a dynamic risk assessment approach may need to be taken, analysing a situation and adjusting your approach accordingly.
Here are some risk areas that you may want to consider while at work and discuss with your line manager if necessary:
Environmental Factors: Environmental hazards such as extreme weather conditions (flood, wildfire), slippery surfaces, or unstable terrain should be considered whilst at work and steps taken to protect yourself and your colleagues.
Building Layouts: Building hazards such as the level of lighting, security issues, ventilation, communication (in isolated sites or if there is a need to work alone), access and evacuation procedures.
Dangerous Animals: Consider the requirements should you need to accommodate, transport, receive or handle animals. Especially when this is an emergency and/or an unexpected appointment.
Chemical Hazards: Each chemical and drug/medication comes with its own risk. Your practice should have a hazardous chemicals register and safety data sheets where you can understand more about the risks from different substances. CVS stores a series of hazardous substances risk assessments on Safety Hub which provide control measures for a range of substances. These are adaptable to specific uses of chemicals and other hazards. Use and store all chemicals safely and familiarise yourself with the controls that can be taken to safely clear up spillages or manage emergency situations. Help to ensure all chemical substances are appropriately labelled and don’t decant chemicals into unlabelled containers.
Assessing Risk: Risk is determined by assessing the likelihood of a hazard taking place and the severity of the consequences should it occur. Where risks are determined to be too high, appropriate controls should be put in place to mitigate that risk and these control measures are what make up the Standard Operating Procedures or policies that govern how we work. Understanding this process will not only keep you safer but give you the context of why you have to work in a certain way, enabling you to better achieve your goals at work.
Implementing emergency procedures is critical to our colleagues and the wider business. They cover a range of scenarios, including extreme weather events, fires, and gas leaks. Procedures will be individual to each premises but will conform to the templates set up by CVS Australia which have considered a full range of potential scenarios. From your perspective it’s important to:
• Know Evacuation Routes: Familiarise yourself with evacuation routes and assembly points in case of an emergency. These should be clearly marked, kept clear of any obstructions and clearly communicated to all employees. There needs to be appointed personnel, such as fire wardens and first aiders (the number of which will be appropriate to the size of the premises as well as its layout and function).
• Fire Prevention: Take precautions to prevent fires by following proper storage procedures for flammable materials, avoiding electrical hazards, regularly engaging in good housekeeping habits and adhering to smoking policies.
• Follow Instructions: During emergencies (even if you think it may be a drill), it is vital to follow instructions from designated personnel and to evacuate the area promptly and safely. Help others if you safely can, especially those who may have established issues in exiting the premises.
• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans: A PEEP is an individual emergency plan designed for any colleagues with special needs, providing unique emergency responses to help ensure safety in an emergency. Should you feel you may require assistance to evacuate the building safely in an emergency speak to your line manager about creating a PEEP to meet your needs.
Regular drills and training sessions ensure that employees are prepared to respond effectively to emergencies and minimise risks to themselves and others. They also provide a learning opportunity if things do not go quite according to plan. Outcomes should always be recorded and discussed with colleagues at the earliest opportunity to maximise the impact of potential changes.
By being proactive, vigilant, and prepared, you can help prevent fires and ensure the safety of yourself and others in the event of an emergency.
Safety Gear for Every Task: In CVS Australia practices, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is your shield against workplace hazards. Here’s what you need to know:
Identify the Right Gear: Know which PPE is required for different tasks. From handling animals to administering treatments, wearing gloves, masks, aprons, and eye protection is a must. And don’t forget your feet. Wearing covered shoes with good grip will help to prevent slip and trip accidents and could save you from getting hurt.
Inspect and Replace: Regularly check your PPE for any damage or wear and tear. If you notice any issues, report it to your line manager who will remove it from use and replace it immediately to ensure maximum protection.
Disposable PPE: Dispose of used disposable PPE such as gloves and face masks properly to prevent contamination or spread of infectious agents. Follow the waste disposal guidelines provided to maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Remember, your safety is paramount. How can you look after your patients if we don’t look after you. Wear your PPE correctly and stay protected at all times.
Stay Shock-Free and Secure: Electric shock is something that happens to other people… right? Electrical safety is an important risk to take into account as the results of getting it wrong could be catastrophic. However it is one of the easiest risks to avoid if you act appropriately and put proactive control measures in place. Electrical safety is everyone’s responsibility. Here’s what you need to do to stay safe:
Testing and Maintenance: CVS will work with the Premises Management to ensure that the periodic checks that are required under your territorial legislation and carried out and that any issues are rectified.
Report Hazards Promptly: If you notice any electrical hazards such as exposed wires or malfunctioning equipment, report them immediately to your supervisor or the designated safety personnel who will then assess the risk and remove any hazardous items from use to prevent accidents.
Use Equipment Safely: Only use electrical equipment that is in good working condition. Avoid overloading outlets and ensure that cables are not damaged or frayed.
Stay Informed: Familiarise yourself with the location of circuit breakers and emergency shutoff switches (especially for specialist equipment that could cause added risk such as x-ray machines). In case of an electrical emergency, it is always a good idea to know how to safely shut off power to the affected area.
By staying vigilant and following proper safety protocols, you can prevent electrical accidents and ensure a secure working environment for all.
In the veterinary industry, we save lives every day. But being prepared for human medical emergencies is just as crucial, whether caring for our colleagues or for the clients and contractors that come to our premises. Here’s what you need to know about first aid:
Basic Training: At CVS Australia, we actively promote colleagues receiving training in first aid techniques such as CPR, wound care, and handling allergic reactions. We work primarily with St John’s Ambulance but first aiders can have trained with any accredited body. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can make a difference in saving lives.
Know Your Kit: Familiarise yourself with the location of first aid kits throughout your practice. Each kit is stocked with essential supplies for treating injuries and medical emergencies.
Report Incidents: If you or a colleague requires first aid assistance, report the incident immediately to your line manager and through Safety Hub. Prompt reporting ensures that appropriate medical attention can be provided without delay and reporting through Safety Hub allows us to ensure that appropriate control measures are put in place to prevent recurrence.
By being prepared and equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources, you can confidently respond to medical emergencies and help maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Lone working in CVS Australia sites can occur during evening or weekend shifts, emergency call-outs, or when a veterinarian or technician is conducting home visits. These instances require individuals to handle various tasks independently, such as administering treatments, performing surgeries, or providing critical care to animals without immediate assistance from colleagues. Working alone presents unique challenges and risks. Here’s how to stay safe when working independently.
Communication: Stay connected with colleagues and supervisors through regular check-ins and communication devices. Let someone know your whereabouts and schedule, especially when working in remote or isolated areas.
Risk Assessment: Before beginning any task alone, conduct a risk assessment with your line manager to identify potential hazards. Practice Managers may have template risk assessments in place from previous instances of lone working and can contact the CVS Health and Safety Team for assistance. Take appropriate precautions to mitigate risks and ensure your safety.
Emergency Procedures: Familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures specific to lone working situations. Know how to respond to emergencies and who to contact for assistance if needed.
By staying vigilant, communicating effectively, and following established safety procedures, you can minimise risks and ensure your well-being when working alone.
Objects falling from height can pose a significant risk. Whether it is poorly shelved stock or inappropriately secured fixtures, preventative measures are key when it comes to minimising the risk. Here’s how to prevent accidents:
Keep Your Workspace Tidy: Maintaining a clutter-free workspace is not always easy in a busy veterinary environment but keeping an eye out for hazards and securing loose objects to prevent them from falling can prevent incidents and injuries.
Wear Protective Gear: Wearing appropriate head protection such as helmets or hard hats is not common in practice but if you are working in areas where falling objects may be a hazard such as a warehouse, this might be necessary. Speak with your line manager or the CVS Health & Safety Team to discuss further.
Report Hazards: If you notice any unstable fixtures or hazards, report them immediately to your supervisor or safety personnel for prompt action.
By staying vigilant and following proper safety precautions, you can minimise the risk of accidents caused by falling objects and ensure a safe work environment for everyone.
Whether you are driving to and from work, heading out on home visits or need to travel as part of your role, driving-safely is of paramount importance. Here’s how to stay safe on the road:
Defensive Driving: Practice defensive driving techniques to anticipate and respond to potential hazards on the road.
Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure that vehicles are properly maintained, including regular inspections, servicing, and tyre checks, to prevent breakdowns and accidents.
Adhere to Safety Measures: Observe speed limits, avoid distractions, and always wear seat belts to promote safe driving practices.
By prioritising safety over speed and following proper driving procedures, you can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe journey for yourself and others.
Stay Safe Around X-ray Equipment: For those new to the veterinary industry, you may not have spent much time around x-rays. And for those who are not, it can just become part of the furniture. Radiation safety is crucial when working with X-ray equipment. Here’s how to protect yourself and others:
Follow Safety Protocols: Adhere to radiation safety protocols, including wearing protective gear and minimising exposure time, to reduce the risk of radiation exposure. Always follow guidance from your Radiation Safety Office (RSO).
Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about radiation safety guidelines and procedures. Attend training sessions to stay updated on best practices and safety measures. More involved training might be required if you are key to the radiation activities in practice and you could become an RSO for your site. Speak to your line manager for more information.
Report Concerns: If you have any concerns about radiation exposure or equipment malfunction, report them immediately to your line manager, the RSO and the CVS Health & Safety Team for investigation and corrective action.
By following proper safety protocols and staying informed, you can minimise the risk of radiation exposure and ensure a safe working environment for everyone.
Avoiding Asbestos Exposure: Asbestos poses a significant health risk in Australia, with its use prevalent in various industries and construction materials until the late 1980s. Exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Despite its ban in Australia since 2003, many buildings and structures constructed before this date (including many of our premises) may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Renovation or demolition activities in older buildings pose a particular risk of asbestos exposure if proper precautions are not taken. But just because you work in a building containing ACMs does not mean you are in danger. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Identify Potential Hazards: Be aware of the potential presence of ACMs in older buildings or renovation areas. Ask your line manager for more information.
Report Suspected Materials: If you suspect damage to any confirmed ACMs in practice, report it immediately to your line manager or safety personnel for assessment and action.
Safe Work Practices: Follow safe work practices when working near asbestos-containing materials. Avoid disturbing ACMs while sites will ensure proper containment and removal by licensed professionals.
By following proper safety procedures, you can minimise the risk of asbestos exposure and protect your health and well-being.
Legionella refers to a bacterium, particularly Legionella pneumophila, which can cause a severe form of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water environments such as cooling towers, hot water systems, and air conditioning systems. In Australia, the risk of Legionella outbreaks is taken seriously, and there are regulations and guidelines in place to prevent its spread, particularly in high-risk settings like hospitals, aged care facilities, and other large buildings with complex water systems.
Legionella bacteria can pose a risk in water systems. Here’s how to prevent Legionnaires’ disease:
Water Management: Site management implement water management programmes to control Legionella growth and spread in water systems and air conditioning units. Risk Assessments are carried out on individual premises to determine whether any of our colleagues are at risk and require further control measures to be put in place.
Regular Maintenance: Those based on site can also carry out activities to minimise risk. This ranges from the flushing of infrequently used taps to taking water temperatures on a monthly basis and ensuring that they do not sit within the ideal growth range for legionella.
By prioritising water safety and following proper maintenance procedures, you can prevent Legionella contamination and protect yourself and others from Legionnaires’ disease.
In CVS Australia practices, manual handling tasks are a common part of daily operations, presenting potential risks of musculoskeletal and other injuries for staff. While situations vary and we cannot eliminate this risk, here’s what you need to know to mitigate them:
Identify Hazards: It is important that you recognise tasks that involve lifting or moving animals, bags of feed, equipment, or other heavy objects. Also, be mindful of repetitive tasks or awkward postures that may strain muscles and joints.
Assess Risks: Line Managers conduct risk assessments for manual handling tasks specific to our veterinary practices. They consider factors such as the size and weight of animals, the fact that they move, the layout of work areas, and the need for assistance or mechanical aids.
Implement Controls: CVS Australia is committed to reducing risks and implements control measures to minimise manual handling risks, providing equipment such as trolleys, hoists, or ramps to assist with lifting heavy animals for example. Ensuring that hazards are identified and reported helps us to recognise areas of risk and allows us to implement physical or procedural control measures such as proper storage of supplies and equipment to minimise awkward lifting or carrying.
Training and Education: There is an online Training Module dedicated to Manual Handling available on Knowledge Hub which provide comprehensive training and education to all our colleagues on safe manual handling techniques. This includes proper lifting and carrying techniques, ergonomic principles, and the use of equipment to reduce strain and injury.
There is a lot more Health & Safety training and resources that you can access through Knowledge Hub which is the CVS Learning Management System to enhance your health and safety knowledge. Knowledge Hub will have courses tailored to your role but there are plenty of other courses available if you would like to learn more. Here are some of the resources available:
Regulations and Standards: Stay updated on relevant regulations, standards, and industry best practices regarding specific Health and Safety topics to ensure compliance and promote a culture of safety.
Specialised Training: Access specialised training programs tailored to specific hazards or job roles to enhance skills and competency in managing risks. Courses include:
• H&S for Premises Managers
• Radiation
• Manual Handling
• Fire & Emergency Evacuation
• Slips, Trips and Falls (incl Ladder Safety (Working at Height))
• Chemical Safety
• DSE
• Asbestos, Legionella, Electrical Safety & Radon Awareness
