risk assessment

business

Veterinarian

We understand that helping animals is your passion, and whether you specialize in cats, snakes, horses or dolphins, no two veterinary offices are the same. We’ve listed some common risks facing veterinarians below. For truly personalized business solutions, contact your local, independent Allied agent for more details.

High risk

Professional liability

You’re an expert in your field, so your business might run a higher risk than usual for professional liability expenses. Surprisingly, the cost of defending against a claim can be just as expensive as the damages awarded if you lose the case.

• Teach pet owners about the risks and benefits of all treatments
• Give adequate instructions on medication bottles
• Be sure pet owners know their role in the care of their sick or injured pets
• Choose a quality control officer or team to answer complaints or questions,  ask this person to help train your staff for better service or safety
• Keep in touch with pet owners along every step of the way
• Display professional education documents and certificates

Get in touch with professional groups, like the American Veterinary Medical Association to keep on top of industry events and news.

The Federal Center for Veterinary Medicine and the USDA’s office of veterinary services have more information about drugs and food additives for domestic animals.

Equipment failure

Modern machinery helps you work more efficiently, but you could get by the old-fashioned way if you had to, with just your thermometer and stethoscope. Still, your business might hurt if your equipment were to break down. So, plan now for what you might need in a major outage before you get stuck trying to find a rental x-ray unit built for a draft horse.

• Schedule checks on major equipment, such as x-rays or refrigerators
• Keep maintenance and service logs on all machinery
• Plan for an emergency by locating sources of equipment rental
• Come up with a plan for working without certain machines
• Keep warranty and purchase or lease information organized, so that you can quickly handle a breakdown
• Buy a back-up generator for electricity outages

The energy efficiency experts at EnergyStar have information about reducing your energy needs, allowing you to keep your business running longer during power outages.

Crime/theft

Your office may be tempting for thieves. It might be easy to re-sell stolen goods, or you might have cash on hand. Don’t put your tail between your legs and close up shop, just make your business less attractive to criminals.

• Keep equipment and supplies locked up and out of plain sight
• Install a UL approved central station alarm
• Deposit receipts at the bank daily
• Keep delivery doors closed / locked even during business hours
• Establish internal controls to cut employee theft
• Use a safe and protect the key/combination
• Make a standard opening and closing procedure for the office
• If you have an alarm, arm it every time and change the pass code regularly
• Keep your building(s) well lit, inside and out

The National Crime Prevention Council has information and tips for reducing all types of crime, theft and violence in homes and businesses.

Data loss

To keep up with patient records, inventory and employees, you probably use computers. If you have a website, you use them even more. So, you know that when computers have problems, business suffers. With a little planning, you can work around occasional system failures.

• Keep paper copies of electronic records and update once a month
• Backup computer files daily or weekly on a disk and store offsite
• Install a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to give you time to make a clean shut down during power surges or blackouts
• Create a recovery kit, including boot disks, registration, manuals and a recent backup
• Use and update anti-virus software
• Train everyone on startup, data entry and shutdown
• If you have questions, contact a technical support person. Most computer retailers have contact information for reliable technical assistance if you need it

Learn more about protecting yourself from internet threats by visiting the Federal Trade Commission’s Information Security website.

Medium risk

Workers' compensation

Veterinary offices and animal hospitals can be dangerous. The unpredictable nature of your clientele, especially when injured or frightened can be a major hazard, even for careful people. Accidental injuries aren’t the only workers’ compensation risk, though. Repetitive stress or gradual illnesses from exposures can also produce a claim.

• Put waste in proper containers, especially biohazards, chemicals and sharp objects
• Use more than one employee to help control large or skittish patients
• Learn about ergonomics and warning signs of risk factors, including awkward posture, high hand force, repetitive motion and heavy lifting
• Pay close attention to changes in an animal’s behavior and muzzle aggressive animals to avoid bites
• Require personal protective equipment (goggles, gloves, masks, nonskid/sturdy footwear)
• Train employees to operate tools and equipment properly
• Choose a safety officer or committee to help with training

Workers’ Compensation laws are different for each state. Check with the US Department of Labor to find specific information about yours.

Fire

The contents of your office are important to your business, so extra planning around fire safety can help. Your fire risk may increase if you cauterize wounds, use oxygen, or keep flammable chemicals, but keep a watchful eye on all potential hazards.

• Store flammable chemicals properly and use them only as directed
• Check for frayed electrical cords, plugs, or connections
• Make sure fire exits are working and clear of obstacles
• Keep extinguishers charged and accessible
• Test smoke detectors and fire alarms at least twice a year
• Have fire drills, and train employees to watch for potential hazards
• Instruct employees how to evacuate animals in case of fire

For additional information on fire safety and prevention at work and at home, visit the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and FireSafety.gov.

General liability

Waiting rooms and corridors can carry a high risk for injury to visitors when fur starts to fly. Keep animals and people out of harm's way by planning and staying alert.

• Dispose of biohazard waste and sharp objects properly
• Post animal control rules in the waiting area
• Inspect your office for slip and fall hazards
• Make one-way entrances and exits, to avoid startling pets
• Separate cats and dogs in the waiting area
• Limit visitors in treatment areas and insist they are accompanied by an employee
• Clearly mark x-ray or other hazardous exposure areas
• Keep walking and parking areas free of hazards, like snow or loose gravel

For information about pollution and safe disposal of certain types of hazardous materials, visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Low risk

Auto/fleet

If you make house calls, or barn calls, driving can be a big part of your business. You need practice fleet safety. Most personal auto insurance doesn’t cover accidents that happen on business time. Be sure you’re covered, in case of emergency.

• Pack tools securely, to reduce distraction to the driver
• If you have a trailer, give extra training for turning, stopping and reversing
• Require all employees to wear safety belts
• Log maintenance, repairs and accidents
• Provide a cell phone in case drivers need to contact you, but be sure to remind them to pull over in a safe location before they call

For more on driving safely, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Product liability

If something happens to a pet when an owner uses a product you recommend or sell in your office, you might run a risk of being sued for part of all of the damages.

• Read industry news and stop using medications, equipment or pet foods that are a known hazard to pets or humans
• Don’t alter products that are sold in retail packing such as shampoos or flea medications
• Consult with pet owners to avoid potential allergic reactions
• Leave a business card with your clients, indicating you’re available to answer their questions

Stay on top of consumer product recalls before you use something, and check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in case you need to give special instructions or warnings to customers about certain products.

For even more information, and to keep posted on the latest tips and trends, visit:

• Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)
• National Safety Council
• Institute for Business and Home Safety
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• US Department of Homeland Security

The information contained herein is intended to assist you in making decisions that may reduce your risk of loss, but is not intended as an inclusive list of all risks. The information contained in this publication was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and its employees make no guarantee of results, and assume no liability in connection with the safety and loss control suggestions or information contained herein. Furthermore, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable safety or loss control method is contained in this publication, or that unusual circumstances may not require additional methods. The maintenance of safe premises, operations, and equipment is your legal responsibility. Nationwide cannot and does not guarantee that any of the advice is in compliance with your specific state laws.