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Section 4: Risk assessment and mitigation

Risk assessment is a systematic process for identifying factors that may contribute to suicide risk in your veterinary workplace setting and implementing controls to reduce or mitigate those risks.

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4.1 Key areas for assessment

Risk assessment should cover: 

  • Occupational hazards (exposure to trauma, access to lethal means, professional isolation)
  • Organisational factors (workload, workplace culture, access to support)
  • Individual vulnerabilities (previous mental health conditions, life stressors, alcohol/substance use)
  • Environmental factors (bullying, harassment, discrimination)

4.2 Assessment focus

The assessment should focus on modifiable factors—those aspects of the workplace that can be changed or improved to reduce risk. These include:

  • Access to lethal means (medicines and firearms)
  • Workplace culture and psychological safety
  • Workload and stress management
  • Access to mental health support
  • Training and awareness

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Section 3: Workplace-level suicide prevention planning

The purpose of this section is to provide a structured framework for identifying, preventing, and responding to suicide risk at the veterinary workplace level. It covers workplace risk management, early identification, intervention, crisis response, and post-incident support.
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Section 5: Creating a supportive and safe working environment

This section provides guidance on how veterinary practices can create working environments that actively support staff wellbeing and reduce factors that may contribute to psychological distress. It focuses on practical, proportionate actions that can be embedded within existing practice operations.

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