Physical Injury

Animal bites can be serious injuries - more often as a result of infection that from the bite itself. If you're bitten on the job, and the bite draws blood, first wash the wound, then report to Student Health Services or your designated health care provider.

Animal bites, especially those by rodents that inflict little tissue damage, are sometimes considered inconsequential by personnel who are unfamiliar with the host of diseases that can be spread by this mechanism and the complications that can result from wound contamination from the animals natural oral flora. Animal care providers should be aware of the need to determine their current tetanus-immunization status, seek prompt medical review of wounds and initiate veterinary evaluation of the animal if necessary. Rabies, Hantavirus infection, cat scratch fever, tularemia, and rat-bite fever are among the specific diseases that can be transmitted by animal bites with serious consequences.

Physical injuries can occur through accidents in any workplace. Physical injuries inflicted directly by the animal are most likely to be serious when the animals are large - such as horses or cattle. Supervisors and instructors should make certain that workers are adequately trained and equipped to deal with the species in question. If student lab workers are compensated for their activities through wages or tuition reimbursement they are considered employees. Supervisors are responsible for completing the Workers Compensation Early Intervention packet within 24 hours of the incident. Workers Compensation packets are available in departmental main offices or from EHS.

In the event of a major injury call 911 for assistance immediately

If you are injured on the job you must promptly report the accident to your supervisor, even if it seems relatively minor. If treatment is needed, report to Student Health Services or your designated health care provider for an evaluation of the injury.