Factors asociated with accidents in itinere in large animals veterinarians

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to estimate: a) the frequency of
occupational accidents in itinere (OAii), b) their associated factors, c) the
frequency and type of injuries suffered and d) the number of days off work
veterinarians working with large animals in the Province of Buenos Aires. A
cross-sectional study was conducted interviewing 106 veterinarians using a
structured questionnaire (simple random sampling, error: 6.4%, confidence:
95% and previous frequency: 15%). The statistical analysis included χ2, Fisher’s
exact test, Student’s t test and the search for spatial clusters using InfoStat
® and SatScan 9.2.®. Most interviewees (78.3%) worked on their own.
The means of transportation were trucks (69.8%) and cars (30.2%) covering
44,886.8 ± 24,628 km/ year. Thirty five out of 100 veterinarians had suffered
OAii, being most frequent on country roads. No statistically significant geographic
clusters were detected. More than half of the drivers (56.8%) identified
more than one factor associated with the OAii. A variable number of
drivers failed to comply with current safety regulations. It is suggested that
continuing education programs should include all hazards faced by veterinarians,
not only those of biological origin.