27/08/2025
Some of our equine vets, nurses, yard managers and safety experts recently met with representatives from the University of Liverpool and helmet manufacturer Uvex to discuss one vital topic: The use of protective headwear to make equine veterinary work safer.
The meeting followed recently published CVS-funded research by Dr John Tulloch of the University of Liverpool which highlights the high risk of injury faced by equine vets & nurses. In response, CVS has introduced a mandatory helmet policy for all staff handling or treating horses. Colleagues have a choice of designs from riding helmets to specialist protective headwear worn by the emergency rescue services, but currently none are designed specifically for use by equine vets.
The group explored possible helmet design, shared first-hand experiences and talked about the cultural change needed across the industry to make helmet wearing the ‘norm’. They also learned from Uvex about safety standards and the rigorous testing behind protective helmets.
Change won’t happen overnight, but the message was clear: if helmet-wearing saves just one life or prevents a life-changing injury, it’s worth it.
What do you think? It would be great to hear your thoughts on this topic. Please feel free to add your comments below.
uvex safety group
