Biological hazards

A biological hazard is any agent that causes infection including, bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Any place where there is a close people are in close proximity to each other brings about an opportunity for at least some exposure to infective agents. For example, in the office it is possible to catch a cold or flu, but in such cases the risk in the workplace is no greater than in the general community or at home.

However, some occupations carry a higher risk of exposure to infectious disease. These are occupations where there is a risk from blood-borne disease such as Hepatitis B, C and HIV and include:

• hospital, dental and health care personnel
• laboratory workers
• paramedical personnel (such as ambulance officers)
• police and prison officers
• child care workers
• laundry workers
• people handling rubbish and food waste
• people involved in sewage works and plumbing repairs
• people working with children, particularly preschool children, due to the risk of exposure to childhood disease such as measles, mumps and gastric viruses.

Other occupations at higher risk include those involving working with animals, as some animal diseases can infect humans. Typical occupations include those handling livestock (for example, on farms, in sale yards, shearing sheep, and transporting livestock) and workers employed at abattoirs and rendering plants.

Biological hazards can also occur in the food processing industry and laboratories.

Control measures include identifying the hazard, assessing and controlling the risk and implementing a monitoring program.

Additional personal protection can be provided through inoculation against some diseases. This should be discussed with your health practitioner on an individual basis.

Additional information can be sourced from the  Tasmanian Health Department or  ASCC (Formerly NOHSC).