Creating a Safety-First Culture in Your Practice

This episode of AAEP Practice Life dives deep into creating a safety-first culture in equine veterinary practices, emphasizing that safety is not just about avoiding injury but about building a sustainable, efficient, and respectful work environment. Hosts Jessica Dunbar and Travis Boston are joined by safety experts Mark Harrison and Dominique Gruber from Certified Safety Training, who share decades of experience in OSHA compliance, training, and risk mitigation. The conversation covers critical topics such as proper training protocols for staff and externs, the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), ergonomic risks in dentistry and fieldwork, and the dangers of distracted driving. The guests stress that leading by example, setting boundaries with clients, and using support staff are essential to reducing risk. They also highlight how proactive safety measures can lower workers’ compensation premiums, improve staff retention, and enhance a practice’s reputation. The episode concludes with a powerful message: veterinarians must embrace their role as the 'bus driver' of every case, making decisions based on safety, not just clinical necessity. Key takeaways include: 1) Implement mandatory, role-specific training for all staff, especially new hires and externs; 2) Use PPE consistently and lead by example—your team will follow your behavior; 3) Never underestimate the value of a technician as a safety buffer in the field; 4) Set boundaries with clients—saying 'no' to unsafe situations is not unprofessional, it’s responsible; 5) Invest in proper equipment like equine stocks and sedation to prevent long-term injuries; 6) Proactive safety reduces insurance costs and improves retention; 7) Use your state VMA or professional networks to access discounted safety resources; and 8) Safety is a leadership responsibility, not just a compliance checklist. The overall tone is urgent yet empowering, urging equine practitioners to prioritize safety not as a burden, but as a core component of professional excellence and long-term career sustainability.