These descriptions of coverage are abbreviated and are subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the actual policy, which forms the contract between the insured and the insurance company. Available coverages, credits, and options may vary by state.

Healthy Vets Make Happy PetsInsurance for CVMA members gives veterinarians the coverage they need.

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As a veterinarian, you are dedicated to providing expert care for animals.

At Fireman’s Fund, we are as committed to caring for you as you are committed to caring for pets. Working in partnership with VISC, we offer a broad insurance program designed specifically for veterinarians, their businesses, and employees.

Together we provide a team of dedicated experts to help you manage your business and provide personal access to our Fireman’s Fund RiskAdvisor® website at www.visc-ins.com for helpful resources on everything from general safety tips to specific workers’ compensation training courses on safe animal handling and back injury prevention.

For more program information, contact VISC at: 888.762.3143, or visit www.visc-ins.com

Reducing Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Each year, CVMA members experience a number of very easily prevented slip, trip, and fall accidents – either by employees or by clients of clinics and hospitals. In veterinary clinics and hospitals, most accidents occur from obstructed walkways, liquids on the floor either from spills, poorly maintained walking surfaces, and the use of chairs or rolling stools to reach high places.

The encouraging note is that many of these accidents are preventable.

A comprehensive slip, trip, and fall prevention program begins with effective building design and includes the proper choice of flooring materials, floor cleaning, maintenance and employee training.

Building MaterialsFlooring should be chosen for its functionality and safety, as well as aesthetics. For instance, marble flooring may look great, but it will get very slick when wet. It’s best to know the pros and cons before selecting floor coverings.

Floor Cleaning Agents and Protective CoatingsIt is important that employees (or contracted cleaning services) responsible for cleaning the floors be trained in the proper application of cleaning agents and protective coatings. For example, all coatings, when properly applied, should provide a friction coefficient of 0.5 or greater. Many floor coating suppliers recommend scrubbing and squeegeeing floors rather than mopping for regular cleaning.

Higher-Hazard AreasIn the parking lot, remember that water and oil don’t mix, so slips often occur when oil and grease are mixed with rain. Also, many slips and falls occur at entrances, particularly during wet or stormy weather. Accidents may be avoided if the staff is instructed to place carpet runners on the floor to absorb excess water, employ caution signs to warn patrons of a potential hazard, and periodically inspect and mop the area.

Employee TrainingA formal policy can mandate that all employees identify and address any slip and fall hazard they encounter during the course of their workday. To ensure success, the policy should be reinforced with a formal training program coupled with aggressive management.

© 2012 Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, Novato, CA. All rights reserved.

Your Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention Program

Following are some key outcomes of an effective program:

• Floors, stairs, mats, and other areas (sidewalks and parking lots) are inspected regularly. Surface irregularities are repaired or replaced as needed.

• Unsafe conditions, such as spills (urine puddles, leaking plumbing, and mud) and trip hazards (boxes of supplies and food bags) are corrected immediately.

• Ample lighting is provided in all areas.

• Warning signs (cones or yellow caution signs) are easily accessible and used in the event of a spill or wet floor to warn employees and clients of the slippery floor.

• Employee footwear has skid-resistant or nonskid soles, no open toes, and heels that are less than one inch high.

• Appropriate floor cleaning products are used, following the manufacturers’ recommendations for application and use.

• Good housekeeping is practiced – all tools, instruments, equipment, and materials are properly stored.

• Drawers are closed when not in use.

• Trash is properly disposed of.

• Stepladders or step stools are available and their use is required so chairs are never used to reach high places.12 | California Veterinarian

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