The OSHA compliance database summarizes information on inspections during which a citation was issued. Its utility is in understanding what issues are receiving particular attention from OSHA inspectors. National sources of information about similar industries or institutions are worker compensation insurance companies and reference data. The SIC 0740 for veterinary services lists 74 compensable injuries and illnesses. Institutions may use employment status as a surrogate for assessment of risk, but this practice should be strongly discouraged.
Risk is determined by the functions of the individual at the worksite.
Therefore, institutions are encouraged to provide for the participation of all personnel involved in the care and use of research animals on the basis of the risks encountered, regardless of their employment status. The need for healthcare services is then based on the nature of the hazards, and the intensity and frequency of exposure. Unfortunaely this catchy phrase proved to be misleading. For example, employees with insubstantial contact with whole, live animals may hanlde infectious tissues or fluids derived from the animal. Assessment of risk includes consideration of the frequency of contact with animals in the reseach settings as well as to their derived tissues and products, Also important are the intensity of the exposures, hazards intrinsic to the animals, hazards present in the research agents, current and potential hazard control technology, the worksite health experience, and an employee's individual susceptibility and occupational history.