Top OSHA Violations in Veterinary Clinics—And How to Avoid Them

Running a veterinary practice means more than compassionate care for animals—it means protecting the health and safety of your team. Yet every year, OSHA citations reveal that many veterinary clinics fall short of compliance in ways that could be costly and dangerous.

At Certified Safety Training (CST), we specialize in making OSHA compliance approachable, effective, and tailored to veterinary practices. Here’s your guide to the most common violations and, more importantly, how to prevent them.

1. Incomplete or Missing Hazard Communication Programs

Why it matters: OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is the most cited standard in veterinary practices. Without a written plan, proper labeling, or access to Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), employees are left vulnerable.

Common pitfalls:

• No written Hazard Communication plan
• Unlabeled secondary chemical containers
• Outdated or inaccessible SDSs

How to fix it:

• Use a cloud-based SDS management system (like CST’s upcoming solution for veterinary clinics)
• Train all staff annually on chemical hazards
• Maintain up-to-date labels and binders

💡 Pro tip: CST’s SDS solutions are built to be self-managed and affordable for small veterinary teams—no more paper chaos.

2. Lack of a Written Exposure Control Plan

Why it matters: Bloodborne pathogens aren’t just a hospital concern—veterinary staff face risks during surgeries, dental cleanings, and more.

Common violations:

• No written Exposure Control Plan
• Failure to offer the Hepatitis B vaccine
• Missing PPE protocols for blood exposure

How to fix it:

• Develop a tailored Exposure Control Plan (CST offers templates and walkthroughs)
• Train staff annually on risks and procedures
• Document vaccination offers and refusals

3. Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Compliance

Why it matters: Eye injuries, bites, scratches, and chemical burns are avoidable with proper PPE use.

Common violations:

• Incomplete PPE hazard assessments
• Failure to enforce PPE use
• Lack of fit-tested respirators (if required)

How to fix it:

• Perform and document PPE assessments
• Include PPE training in onboarding
• Monitor and reinforce usage

4. Missing or Outdated OSHA 300 Logs

Why it matters: These forms track workplace injuries and illnesses and must be maintained and posted annually.

Common violations:

• No OSHA 300, 300A, or 301 forms
• Not posted between February and April
• Missing or incomplete incident data

How to fix it:

• Keep logs updated throughout the year
• Set calendar reminders to post on time
• Use OSHA’s online injury tracking app or CST's recordkeeping tools

5. Inadequate Emergency Preparedness

Why it matters: When disaster strikes, seconds count. Unprepared clinics risk both lives and liability.

Common issues:

• Missing fire evacuation maps
• Inaccessible eyewash stations
• No spill response protocol for anesthetic gases or chemicals

How to fix it:

• Train for fires, chemical spills, and animal escapes
• Test eyewash stations monthly
• Develop an emergency action plan and drill it regularly