Occupational Health Nursing and Occupational Health at the Human-Animal Interface (OHHA) trainees participated in the Spring ERC training
field trip this year. They visited the Seattle Animal Shelter in the
Interbay area to tour the facility and discuss all of the occupational health
issues that can occur in this unique setting. Some of the identified occupational health and safety risks included interaction with unknown animals, structural challenges,
biological materials, slippery surfaces, accoustic controls and loud barking,
teeth and claws, and compassion fatigue.
ERC trainee Max shared his experience on the field trip:
"There were a lot of best practices and safety
implementations at the shelter. Examples include protocol for handling
aggressive animals, isolation chambers prior to introducing new animals to the
ones at the shelter for disease protection, and treatment options for the
animals to prevent any disease outbreaks both to the people and animals. Other
safety measures included housekeeping, which was very visible. All rooms in the
facility were clean and dust free, which helps prevent exposures."
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