This month I will be presenting two ergonomics webinars for the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association (VVMA). Registration is available for folks anywhere, and the webinars will be available on-demand after the live presentation. Go to the VVMA website for more info and to register.
(these webinars offer continuing education credit in Vermont– otherwise check with your state about CE credit)
Here’s what I’ll be talking about:
Ergonomics in the Veterinary Clinic
Working with animals can be risky, and not just because of bites and scratches: ergonomic strains can also be important hazards whether you spend your day handling animals or handling phone calls and medical records. By learning about ergonomics, we can improve the ‘fit’ between people, their jobs, and their work environment in order to improve safety, health, well-being, and performance.
Objectives for this session include:
- Know the risk factors that are associated with ergonomic strain or injury in the veterinary workplace including repetition, forceful exertion, lifting, awkward postures, prolonged static loads, vibration, or a combination of these factors.
- Learn how to recognize the ergonomic hazards in your own job, or in the work of employees who you supervise.
- Understand how the hierarchy of controls can be used to find solutions to ergonomic hazards at work.
Live on October 15 at 6:30 pm EDT, then on-demand
Soft Tissue Surgical Ergonomics
Surgery can be physically demanding, but many veterinarians successfully work for decades doing surgeries. Learn ways to stay safe and comfortable while you spay and neuter and perform other surgeries!
Objectives for this session include:
- Understand how table height, patient position, surgeon posture and position, equipment placement, and the arrangement of the physical space for surgery influences surgical ergonomics and surgeon comfort
- Learn the characteristics of ergonomic surgical techniques, instruments, and instrument grasps
- Recognize physical conditions, challenges, and differences that may impact an individual surgeon’s ergonomics.
Live on October 29 at 6:30 pm EDT, then on-demand
Hope to see some of you there!