AVT session 3: Occupational Health & Safety

• 1. Session 3 Occupational Health & Safety Harm Kiezebrink Research Fellow Faculty of Veterinary Science Queensland University

2. AI in Holland 2003 4,500 people were in contact with diseased birds 2,250 persons (50%) carried antibodies 453 people showed symptoms 89 people were diseased with H7N7 (3 were not in direct contact with diseased birds) Approx. 4,050 family members, relatives and friends carried antibodies 1 veterinarian died 2 2014 Applied Veterinary Technologies Europe AB 3. Lessons learnt Improperly cleaned & disinfected large-scale culling equipment become big risks for re- introduction of infections Clean and disinfect responders first before they exit an infected area Team up responders when they put on and take off their Personal Protection Equipment (supervising each other) Train people to use PPE well in advance 2014 Applied Veterinary Technologies Europe AB 3 4. Lessons learnt Lead by example Stopping the outbreak depends on the skills of the responders Reduce staff entering an infected area to the absolute minimum Create an outbreak response plan for each farm Contract well-skilled and trained professionals instead of hiring responders on the spot including calling the army 4 2014 Applied Veterinary Technologies Europe AB 5. Lessons learnt Clear management structure Overall responsibility at the Veterinary authority not the veterinary field officer Follow up strict safety protocols & Standard Operating Procedures Health & Safety officer supervising the response operation Clear - enforceable - instructions instead of on-the-job training 5 2014 Applied Veterinary Technologies Europe AB 6. 6 Lessons learnt Authorize Health & Safety Officers Entrance management Maintaining Personal Protection Protocol under all circumstances Traumatic stress management 2014 Applied Veterinary Technologies Europe AB 7. lessons learnt - Traumatic stress - Public opinion protested fiercely against mass culling of poultry, causing tremendous pressure on veterinarians, responders and offcials > 10 serious car accidents occurred at the end of shifts, caused by fatigue and careless driving, injuring and killing veterinarians and responders Number of suicides among farmers increased with 600% during the time of outbreaks Non-state veterinarians went on strike during the outbreak, refusing to kill birds by suffocation, arguing that it is unethical and inhumane 7 2014 Applied Veterinary Technologies Europe AB 8. Unexpected events and emotionally intense circumstances A traumatic event is a shocking and emotionally overwhelming situation in which an individual perceives actual or threatened death or serious injury Workers responding to an HPAI outbreak may experience traumatic stress Reactions to traumatic events will vary, ranging from relatively mild to severe It is very common for people to experience anxiety, terror, shock, feel upset, or feel emotional numbness and personal or social disconnection 8 2014 Applied Veterinary Technologies Europe AB 9. Symptoms and negative effects Physical illness (headaches, fatigue) Unable to function normally on the job Depression Anxiety Making efforts to avoid reminders of a traumatic event Marital and family conflict Hostility and aggression Death through suicide as a reaction to overwhelming 9 2014 Applied Veterinary Technologies Europe AB 10. Coping with Traumatic Stress Useful techniques to reduce stress when participating in a response: Take a break from the news Pace yourself and take frequent rest breaks Pay attention to each others state of mind Be conscious of those around you; responders who are exhausted, feeling stressed, or even temporarily distracted may place themselves and others at risk Maintain your daily schedule as normally as possible Drink plenty of fluids such as water and juices 10 2014 Applied Veterinary Technologies Europe AB 11. Summary Limit the number of responders and their span of control Appoint health & safety officers to oversee the decision making process and the reactions of responders Dont allow responders into the infected area when they are stressed or have underlying medical problems Create simple and clear enforceable instructions Upkeep personal protection intact under all circumstances 2014 Applied Veterinary Technologies Europe AB 11 12. Question and Answer Reflection: Whats on your mind? 12 12 AVT Applied Veterinary Technologies Europe AB Address details: c/o INTRED, Sdra Hamnen 2, 45142 Uddevalla, Sweden Org.nr: 556792-1944 - Phone: +44 7452 272 358- E-mail: [email protected]