The Study Team had an opportunity to review occupational safety procedures in the kennel and field areas of HIHS.

HIHS workers have access to a safety training officer (who has been identified as the Director of Operations). The following occupational injury/illness statistics were provided to the Study Team:

Weekly meetings are offered at the Kailua-Kona and Waimea facilities; bi-weekly meetings are held at the Keaau shelter. Safety topics are often discussed at these meetings.

To report an accident, the employee must notify his/her supervisor immediately. Injury reports are completed for all injuries and submitted for claims. Limited information regarding employee safety issues is offered in the current HIHS S.O.P. The agency’s safety policy appears within the HIHS Employee Manual (page 6, "Safety").

HIHS employees are offered training in proper lifting techniques (video instruction). Back support belts are also provided. An eye wash station was observed only at the Kailua-Kona shelter should accidental exposure to drugs or chemicals occur. A first aid kit was also offered at this facility (in the hallway of the main building), however the Study Team discovered that is was void of any medical supplies. Within all 3 facilities, chemical containers are properly disposed of along with needles and other medical wastes. Employees receive training regarding OSHA requirements and Material Safety Data Sheets during their orientation and employees have 24-hour access to the MSDS Manual.

The frequency of assaults on employees is not common, but it does occur. Some employees have been threatened (verbally). Humane Officers are offered training in "conflict avoidance" during the badging process. Other HIHS employees have received training in conflict resolution ("Angry Customers: Diffusing the Situation").

Much of the safety training for personnel is performed while on the job, usually by designated employees. In-house training is offered; the "Individual Training and Education Record" details the following safety training curriculum:

None of the staff were known to carry occupational exposure advisory cards. New employees are advised, when hired, of the possible health risks they may face, and how to recognize and avoid those risks. First aid and CPR classes are offered to employees, however it is unknown if this type of training is required.

Since rabies is not present on the island, high risk employees are not offered the rabies prophylaxis. Tetanus vaccinations are mandatory. Hepatitis vaccinations are not offered.

Most safety equipment is provided by the agency, and designated employees instruct subordinates in their use. Eye protection, gloves (disposable and bite), snappy snares, catch-poles, muzzles, tools, traps, leashes, flashlights, cat graspers, and safety vests are provided to those employees who require this equipment. Although the agency offers each employee up to $50.00 annually for footwear, protective boots are not required. Personnel are responsible for "supporting and adhering to our (HIHS) safety rules and regulations, and for performing their duties in the safest manner possible." Officers are not allowed to carry sidearms or pepper spray, however batons are offered (the agency has recently placed an order for bite sticks).

Although there is an increasing threat of violence nationally to Animal Control personnel, none of the Humane Officers have been offered a bullet-proof vest to wear while in the field. Modern vests should be purchased and offered to all personnel as an added safety option. The Study Team found mixed employee reactions when addressing the vest issue.

Based on interviews and on-site evaluations, the Study Team determined that several employees posses adequate officer safety skills. Employees have received some training in zoonotic diseases (provided by the Staff Veterinarian) and animal handling techniques; most training that workers receive is "on the job."

None of the HIHS staff members have been certified in defensive driving techniques (classroom training only). Drivers’ licenses are reviewed annually for validity. Vehicle accidents involving employees are investigated by local law enforcement officials. The agency provides investigative materials (reports, photos, diagrams) in the event of claims. HIHS offers policies within the Employee Handbook and S.O.P. in regards to safe vehicle operation.

Of the 7 FSDVs currently in the HIHS fleet, only 1 of these vehicles is equipped with a rotating amber light (which was clearly not impressive). Since many Animal Control related deaths involve personnel being struck by vehicles, NACA endorses the use of red or blue lights (preferably light-bars), where available for use by law. Otherwise, high-visible strobe-type lighting should be installed on all vehicles to increase visibility from the front and rear (the current trend in law enforcement is to utilize strobe-type lighting; HIHS needs to research the legalities of using red or blue lights, since laws vary from state to state).

The 1992 Nissan truck, assigned to the Keaau facility, also offers a "backup" alarm.

Within the customer service area of all 3 facilities, there are no physical barriers (such as a counter window and door) to prohibit visitor access into employee work areas. Panic buttons were not observed at any of the shelters. Only the Keaau facility offers a security alarm system. During normal business hours, the public is allowed unrestricted access to the animal holding areas, usually when accompanied by an HIHS employee.

Decibel levels have not been tested in the kennel areas. During the on-site study, unacceptable sound levels were evident within the Waimea kennel section.

Within all 3 shelters, outside lighting was stated to be inadequate to provide protection for employees reporting to or leaving duty in the dark. HIHS currently does not offer any safety procedures for those employees (on-call Humane Officers) who must work after dark.

Wet floors tend to be inherent in animal shelters due to the nature of the business. Since a few cleaning tasks are undertaken during those times when the animal holding areas are open to the public, visitors receive some exposure to wet floors in any accessible area. Floor fans, squeegees and mops are used to facilitate the drying process (in addition, "wet floor" signs and "caution cones" are offered to notify visitors of this potential risk).

Fire exits are posted in most areas of all 3 facilities. The location of fire extinguishers is also part of the orientation process. The agency offers an evacuation plan (and policies) relating to the emergency withdrawal of impounded animals.

6.01 The use of protective equipment/clothing (to include safety footwear) by the agency should be mandated to guarantee employee safety and protect the HIHS from liability. Rating: 1

6.02 Eye wash stations should be installed in euthanasia, vaccination and chemical dispensing areas should accidental exposure to chemicals or drugs occur. Rating: 1

6.03 First aid kits should be installed in animal holding areas. Medical supplies should be inventoried on a regular basis. Rating: 1

6.04 All employees should be issued occupational exposure advisory cards. Rating: 3

6.05 All employees should be trained in CPR and first aid. This training should be mandatory. Rating: 2

6.06 Although rabies is not present in Hawaii County, it is NACA’s standard recommendation that any employee that has contact with animals should be offered the rabies prophylaxis (this preventative treatment should be made mandatory). Rating: 2

6.07 A continuing safety program should be developed for all employees. Areas that should be included are animal behavior and handling, officer safety, lifting techniques, self defense, conflict resolution, and zoonotic diseases. Rating: 1

6.08 Field personnel that are susceptible to risky situations or possible physical confrontations with the public should be vaccinated for hepatitis. Rating: 3

6.09 Any field employee should be issued bite sticks and pepper spray to enhance officer safety. All personnel should be certified in the use of such equipment. Rating: 1

6.10 Any employee that operates an agency vehicle should be certified in defensive driving techniques. Rating: 2

6.11 The customer service areas within each shelter should be redesigned to isolate employees from possible assault situations. Panic buttons should also be located in an area easily accessible by employees in the event of an emergency. Rating: 1

6.12 Decibel levels should be tested within the kennel areas to determine if unsafe conditions exist for workers. Ear plugs should be mandatory for employees. Rating: 1

6.13 The agency should evaluate outside lighting in the public and employee parking lots and offer improvements, if necessary, for safety purposes. Rating: 3