Who is primarily responsible for developing a useful occupational health program?

The development of a useful occupational health program is primarily the responsibility of the senior institutional official (SIO). This is because the SIO typically has the authority and oversight necessary to ensure that the program is not only compliant with federal regulations and institutional policies but also adequately addresses the health and safety needs of all personnel working with animals.

The SIO is positioned to coordinate across various departments and ensure that the program is integrated into the broader institutional framework, facilitating collaboration between the IACUC, veterinary services, and other relevant stakeholders. This role encompasses a management level that focuses on institutional policy and resource allocation, which is crucial for the efficacy of an occupational health program.

While the other roles mentioned, such as the IACUC chairperson, attending veterinarian, and vivarium manager, play important supporting roles in the overall animal care and use program, they are generally not tasked with the overarching responsibility for developing the occupational health program. Instead, these individuals contribute to specific aspects of animal care, compliance, or animal health that inform and support an effective occupational health strategy.