Think Safety First!
by B.J. Darnell, VMT, CKO
In boarding kennels, the most common accidental injuries happen to eyes, ears, backs and feet. Noise-induced hearing loss, though preventable, is permanent. It’s estimated that 28 million Americans suffer from hearing loss, making it the number one disability in the United States.
In the past 10 years, the number one claim filed with insurance companies by boarding kennels is back injuries. Bite-related cases, not surprisingly, are the number two reason for injury claims.
The most disturbing element in the daily schedule of kennel personnel is the disregard for personal safety. This involves not only employees, but kennel owners themselves. Hours are spent on upgrading the facility to ensure the animal’s safety, but safe business practices are not always followed to ensure human safety.
What is so hard about using back belts, wearing safety glasses, the right rubber gloves, good sturdy shoes and proper clothing? For many, the answer to that is that they are long on safety but short on style.
Many jobs today require that safety equipment be available and used by employees. In fact, it is a government requirement per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards. Training in the use of this equipment and records of specific training kept in employee files is a requirement that is often overlooked. Having Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDS] available to all employees is also required by OSHA to help ensure safety in the workplace.
Many of these injuries, however, can be prevented by simply using easily obtainable and relatively inexpensive safety equipment. Let’s review the cost of the necessary equipment to prevent injuries from happening.
Safety glasses:
A variety of styles are available to suit individual tastes. Whether you choose clear or tinted designer styles, well-constructed wraparounds will protect from both sides and from above. Lightweight and comfortable, they should be used by all personnel to protect their eyes. Most can be purchased for under $5. Many styles are conveniently designed in one size to fit most people.
Ventilated Splash Goggles:
Made with indirect vents for liquid splash protection, goggles will fit over most prescription eyewear. They are for use while pressure washing or just general cleaning where liquids or harsh chemicals are involved. Most sell for under $5 and can be found at local hardware stores and superstores.
Hearing Protection:
A wide range of forms, from the gun-muffler type to foam ear inserts, are readily available. They are designed to muffle harmful sounds, reducing the noise levels by anywhere from 21-45 decibels. The average kennel levels can range up to 180 decibels when the dogs are barking. Doctors prefer that we work in the 85 decibel range for no longer than 8 hours. Most types will protect against permanent hearing loss while still allowing you to hear a normal range of sounds. Price will vary depending on the style and will range anywhere from under $1 for foam ear plugs to under $8 for the gun muffler type. They can be found in hardware stores or superstores.
Chemical Resistant Gloves:
Protective gloves are a must. Many people are susceptible to contact dermatitis from some of the products used on a daily basis. Rubber or PVC are the best and hold up under daily use. Styles range from extra-long varieties that offer added protection to styles with nubbed surfaces to aid in shampooing or grooming. Gloves can be found for under $10 and are available in a variety of stores.
Proper attire should also be covered in the employee manual. Sandals and shorts have no place in the kennel. Gouges and scratches appear quickly enough without exposing more skin and toes. Good staff training procedures and strict adherence to company policy make many accidents avoidable. With affordable safety equipment readily available, cost is no longer a major factor.
