Leptospira

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease passed from animals to humans (a zoonosis) and from animal to animal through infected urine. Infection can occur through breaks in the skin or through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth.

It is a particular risk for people who work in close contact with animals or animal products, especially in wet environments. Occupations at increased risk include:

• farm workers
• veterinarians
• meat workers
• people who work in frequently contaminated environments, such as sewer workers, coal miners and plumbers
• fishing industry workers

Without treatment, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress and even death. It is difficult to eliminate, so minimising the risk is the best option. Controls include avoiding contaminated water and animal urine, rodent control, hygiene, covering cuts, suitable PPE and information for workers. UKHSA guidance does not offer human vaccination as a routine UK control; animal vaccination is a separate veterinary measure. Do not promise vaccine protection to workers.

• Avoid contact with fresh water, soil and vegetation that might be contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rodents. Never touch a dead animal with bare hands.
• Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil.
• Clean wounds at once and cover them properly with waterproof adhesive dressings until they heal.
• Wear suitable protective clothing or footwear for work or leisure activities that might bring contact with contaminated soil or water.
• Wash hands often with liquid soap and water, including after handling pets or animals, and disinfect contaminated areas.
• Provide safe drinking water and avoid swallowing potentially contaminated natural, flood or process water.

Silica

Silica is one of the most common hazards on a worksite, particularly in construction, oil and gas, manufacturing and agriculture. Cutting, breaking, crushing, drilling, grinding or blasting concrete or stone releases the dust, and as workers breathe it in, the silica settles in their lungs. Workers who inhale these very small crystalline silica particles are at increased risk of serious silica-related disease, including:

• silicosis, an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death
• lung cancer
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• kidney disease

Examples of controls for silica:

• choose materials, such as abrasive blasting agents, that are silica-free or have the lowest silica content
• design buildings with recesses for services, to reduce the amount of chasing needed
• provide vehicles with enclosed cabs fitted with high-efficiency air filters for dusty earthworks or mining
• use wet work methods to reduce dust, for example wet cutting or polishing and water sprays during earthworks
• use water spray or rubber curtains around conveyor transfer points
• use local extraction ventilation, fixed or on-tool, for example for mixing, crushing, milling, drilling or chasing
• use shadow vacuuming, for example during drilling
• clean up by vacuum rather than by sweeping
• never blow dust away with compressed air

Summary notes for Element 7 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.