A groundbreaking collaboration between leading equine veterinary professionals, safety experts, and helmet manufacturers is set to revolutionise workplace safety in the equine veterinary sector. The landmark meeting, which brought together key stakeholders from across the industry, marks a pivotal moment in addressing the alarming injury rates faced by veterinary professionals working with horses.
The Research That Changed Everything
The initiative stems from pioneering research led by Dr. John Tulloch and funded by CVS Group, published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine. The study, titled “It’s only a flesh wound: understanding the safety culture in equine, production animal and mixed veterinary practice,” revealed shocking statistics about workplace injuries in equine veterinary practice.
The research exposed that 90% of equine veterinary practitioners suffer work-related injuries, with head injuries being a significant concern during routine equine care. This alarming data prompted CVS Equine to take decisive action, making it mandatory for all employees handling horses to wear protective helmets from early 2025.
[The] research exposed that 90% of equine veterinary practitioners suffer work-related injuries, with head injuries being a significant concern during routine equine care.
Industry Leaders Unite for Safety
The recent stakeholder meeting brought together an impressive array of professionals, including:
- Veterinarians and veterinary nurses
- Yard managers and practice leaders
- Researchers from the University of Liverpool
- Health & Safety experts from CVS Equine
- Representatives from Uvex, a leading manufacturer of sports and industrial safety helmets
This diverse group represents the collaborative approach needed to tackle the complex challenge of developing effective protective equipment for equine veterinary professionals.
The Current Helmet Challenge
While CVS Equine staff can currently choose from various helmet designs—including riding helmets and headwear used by emergency services—none have been specifically engineered for the unique demands of equine veterinary practice. This gap in design and functionality has created an urgent need for purpose-built protection.
Frontline professionals shared their experiences during the meeting, highlighting the need for helmets that balance:
- Safety: Meeting rigorous protection standards
- Comfort: Suitable for extended wear during long procedures
- Practicality: Ability to attach accessories such as head torches and visors
- Functionality: Designed for the specific movements and positions required in veterinary work
Expert Insights from Uvex
Rob Jones and Luke Cannavan from Uvex delivered a comprehensive presentation on the science of helmet safety, covering crucial aspects including:
- Impact resistance: How helmets protect against different types of impacts
- Fit technology: Ensuring optimal protection through proper sizing
- Ventilation systems: Maintaining comfort during extended use
- Material innovation: Latest developments in protective materials
Their expertise in high-performance head protection provided valuable insights into rigorous testing protocols and design standards that underpin effective helmet development.
Cultural Change in Veterinary Practice
Beyond the technical aspects, the meeting addressed the significant cultural shift required to normalise helmet use in equine veterinary settings. Participants explored strategies to:
- Overcome resistance to wearing protective equipment
- Promote adoption across the profession
- Embed safety as a core value within veterinary culture
- Change perceptions about workplace injuries being “normal”
Sophie Ignarski, Equine Director at CVS, emphasised the importance of this cultural transformation: “This initiative represents a significant step forward in improving workplace safety for equine veterinary professionals in terms of helmet design. It is recognised that cultural change within the equine veterinary sector will take time, but CVS is committed to driving this change by investing in research, implementing policy based on the evidence and exploring helmet design. If the adoption of protective helmets saves just one life or prevents someone from sustaining life-changing injuries, then it is worth it.”
The Path Forward
The collaborative group agreed that a partnership between veterinary professionals, researchers, and manufacturers is essential to develop helmets that meet both safety standards and practical requirements. The next steps include:
- Further consultation with frontline veterinary professionals
- Trials of different PPE helmet types and accessories
- Development of specialist designs tailored to veterinary needs
- Industry-wide adoption strategies to ensure widespread acceptance
Impact on the Veterinary Profession
This initiative represents more than just equipment development—it’s about transforming the safety culture within equine veterinary practice. The research has exposed a concerning culture that normalises injuries and undervalues safety, prompting a fundamental shift in how the profession approaches workplace protection.
CVS Equine’s mandatory helmet policy, implemented from early 2025, affects all veterinarians, nurses, and technicians working in the vicinity of horses, ponies, or donkeys. This policy applies whether working in veterinary practices, on farm visits, or at equestrian events.
Industry-Wide Implications
The collaboration between CVS Equine, the University of Liverpool, and Uvex could set a new standard for the entire equine veterinary industry. With CVS Equine operating 21 sites across the UK and employing over 20 recognised Veterinary Specialists, their commitment to safety could influence practices throughout the sector.
The initiative also highlights the importance of evidence-based policy making in veterinary practice, with Dr. Tulloch’s research providing the scientific foundation for these safety improvements.
Looking Ahead
As the veterinary profession continues to evolve, this helmet safety initiative represents a crucial step towards better protecting those who dedicate their careers to equine health and welfare. The collaboration between industry leaders, researchers, and manufacturers demonstrates the power of working together to address critical safety challenges.
The development of purpose-built helmets for equine veterinary professionals could become a game-changer, potentially preventing life-changing injuries and saving lives. As Sophie Ignarski noted, if this initiative prevents even one serious injury, the effort will have been worthwhile.
For the equine community, this development signals a new era of safety consciousness in veterinary practice, ensuring that those who care for our horses are better protected while doing their vital work.
