Common Biological Hazards

Anthrax

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that is naturally found in the soil and mostly affects livestock and wild animals. People in construction sites can be infected when working on sites such as a burial site with Anthrax infected carcasses or Anthrax contaminated soil ( Lim, 2009).

The anthrax spores are activated, multiply, and spread throughout the body once infected to produce toxins that cause severe illness. If a construction site is deemed to be potentially hazardous, there is a need for soil/building material sampling and lab testing. Additionally, there are precautionary approaches to be adopted with the assumption of the availability of anthrax spores (Lim, 2009). It is possible to protect Anthrax by adhering to the construction site general precautions involving micro-organisms, making use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and immunization (Coker & Sridhar, 2010).

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection which leads to mild and severe illness. It is transmitted through food and water that is contaminated via direct contact with an infected person. The virus infects the cells of the liver and causes cell inflammation that affects the normal functioning of the liver (Lim, 2009). Workers in construction sites encounter Hepatitis A when working on sites with raw/untreated contaminated sewage or when refurbishing a property that has been damaged by sewage-contaminated floods. It essential to avoid contact with sewage by complying with precautions involving harmful micro-organisms, wearing protective clothing, and ensuring workers are immunized ( Coker & Sridhar, 2010).

Legionella

Legionella is an infection from the water system. The bacterium is naturally present in environments of freshwater. It mainly affects the lungs and at times cause heart and wound infection. Working in areas of water systems that are old or poorly maintained might expose construction workers to such micro-organism. Legionella risk is high at refurbishment or demolition sites (Lim, 2009). The infection can be addressed by limiting the risk before work begins; draining stagnated water, treating water and ensuring stored water is below 20°C or above 60°C (Lim, 2009). It is also essential to know if anyone is Legionella infected.

Psittacosis

Psittacosis is an infectious infection caused by chlamydia psittaci bacteria. It is a type of lung infection which can also lead to brain and heart inflammation. The bacterium is most common in birds such as parrot and those of a similar species (Lim, 2009). Construction workers are likely to be exposed to this bacterium when in contact with bird droppings that are common in refurbishment and demolition sites. It can be prevented by eliminating and limiting contact with droppings. It is also crucial to follow general controls for harmful micro-organisms, wet down the working area to avoid dust, and wear protective clothing. (Coker & Sridhar, 2010)

Stinging Insects

Stinging insects such as bed bugs are common in old construction sites. These insects feed on blood and can be found in places where people live or visit. Insects such as bed bugs are not known to spread any disease, but some people react to the bite (OSHAcademy, 2017). Prevention entails inspecting signs of stinging insects, reducing clutter, keeping personal items separately from those of other people, and having appropriate coveralls.

Mold

Mold is a micro-organism found in nature from plant debris whose spores are carried to buildings by air. Old buildings are mostly manifested with mold and this include demolition and refurbishment sites. Inhalation of mold fragments can cause health issues or worsen other health conditions. Mold produces mycotoxins that slowly damage the immune system, which can cause respiratory problems. It is commonly found in ceiling tiles, walls, and floor and window sills. Molds can be controlled by minimizing the amount of moisture on surfaces, identifying and fixing moisture sources, cleaning with soap and detergent, and having appropriate protective clothing. (Lim, 2009).

Clostridium Difficile

Clostridium difficile is a bacterial infection of the stomach which causes diarrhea. An infected person can experience diarrhea and an inflammation of the colon. Workers are exposed to Clostridium difficile when working on sites with raw/untreated contaminated sewage or when refurbishing a property that has been damaged by sewage-contaminated floods. It is essential to avoid contact with sewage by following general precautions related to harmful micro-organisms, wearing protective clothing, and being vaccinated (Lim, 2009).

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection that is mostly found in bird dropping and bat droppings. If left untreated, histoplasmosis can lead to enlarged lung cavities, lung failure, and immunity deterioration. Construction workers are likely to be exposed to this bacterium when in contact with bird droppings that are common in refurbishment and demolition sites. It can be prevented by eliminating and limiting contact with bird droppings (Lim, 2009). It is also crucial to follow general control for harmful micro-organisms, wetting down the working area to avoid dust, and wearing have protective clothing.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that causes small cysts in the human body once infected. The human body is capable of developing antibodies against this infection, but people with a weak immune system may develop seizures, brain damage, and confusion. Toxoplasmosis parasites can be found in uncooked meat, contaminated water/soil, or contaminated human urine and feces (Lim, 2009). Workers in construction sites are most likely to encounter toxoplasmosis exposure while working on sites with raw/untreated sewage, cats, and other infected animals. It is advisable to eliminate or avoid sewage contact where possible and where sewage is unavoidable workers should follow general controls for harmful micro-organisms, restrict animal infestation within the work area, wear protective clothing, and be vaccinated.

Zika Virus

Zika virus is a disease caused by Aedes mosquito that bites during the day. A zika virus-infected person experiences fever, rash, muscle and joint pain, and headache. Working in areas with old or poorly maintained water systems might expose construction workers to infected Aedes mosquitoes. The risk of Zika virus is high at refurbishment or demolition sites. The virus can be addressed by limiting the risk before work begins, draining stagnant water, and repairing the drainage system. It is also essential to know if anyone is zika virus-infected (OSHAcademy, 2017).

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection disease that is transmitted by ticks infected with borrelia bacterium. Ticks are infected with this bacterium after feeding on infected rodents and deer. After two weeks of bite, one gets a rash at the area of the bite, once the bacteria spread throughout the body, one experiences fever and general body weakness. Construction workers are likely to encounter Lyme disease from tick bites, and this can be prevented by keeping off rodents from construction sites (Coker & Sridhar, 2010). It is also crucial to inspect for any signs of ticks and rodents manifestation, reduce the clutter, and have appropriate coveralls.

Hantavirus

Hantavirus is an infectious disease, also known as a pulmonary syndrome. Hantavirus is carried by several types of rodents such as rats and mice. The virus gets into the human body through inhalation from infected rodents. Construction workers are likely to encounter Hantavirus from a variety of rodents, which can be prevented by keeping off rodents from construction sites. It is also crucial to inspect for any signs of rodents manifestation, reduce clutter, and have appropriate coveralls. Additionally, workers should make proper use of RPE (Lim, 2009).

Rabies

It is a viral disease associated with the central nervous system infection. The rabies virus can be transmitted through contact with infected people, domestic and wild animals. An infected person experiences fever, headache, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Construction workers are likely to encounter rabies from a variety of rodents, which can be prevented by keeping off rodents from construction sites. It is also vital to report any cases of the disease to authorities to ensure cats and dogs in the area are vaccinated (Lim, 2009). Also, ensure the construction site is unattractive to dogs and other wild animals.

Influenza

Influenza is a contagious viral infection which affects the respiratory system, including the lungs, throat, and nose and can cause severe illness to exposed construction workers. Influenza affects the respiratory system where the patient experiences fever, cough, running nose, sore throat, and headaches. It is spread through cough droplets from an infected person by air or body contact (Lim, 2009). Construction workers are likely to encounter the illness when working. Workers are advised to use general hygiene precautions and avoid contact with ill people. Workers should also make proper use of RPE equipment (Coker & Sridhar, 2010). The best approach for influenza prevention is through vaccination which should be done yearly.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection known as mycobacterial tuberculosis. TB is an airborne disease transmitted when an infected person cough and a healthy person inhale the bacteria. TB infection damages the patient’s lungs tissues which make them cough the bacteria into the air. Construction workers are likely to encounter TB at sites with poor aeration. Construction sites should be sufficiently aerated and avoid crowding of workers. Workers should make good use of RPE. Also, infected workers should not be allowed to be at the site since it is a risk to other workers. It is also important to be immunized against TB (Lim, 2009).

HIV/AIDs

HIV is a virus that weakens the body immune system. It is a lifelong condition that has no treatment yet. It is transmitted through significant body fluids and spread through unprotected sex, or sharing sharp objects. Construction workers encounter HIV through piercing of needle sticks and other sharp objects. HIV can be addressed by ensuring needle sticks and sharp objects are properly disposed to avoid such accidents. Workers need personal responsibility on morals since sexual intercourse is the number one HIV transmission mode. Construction companies should come up with convenient areas for HIV programs for workers and ensure construction workers have condoms (OSHAcademy, 2017).

Common Cold

Common cold infection is caused by a virus that affects the upper respiratory tract. It is usually not a severe health condition, but it is associated with a lot of discomforts. It is associated with running nose, slight fever, cough, sneeze, mild headache, and soar throat. The common cold is airborne, and construction workers can encounter it at their workplace. It can be prevented by using protective gear and engaging in safe work practices (Lim, 2009). Workers should wear warm clothes when it is cold and have waterproof gloves and boots, monitor their physical condition, and use RPE since most common colds are airborne.

References

Coker, A., & Sridhar, M. K. (2010). Chapter 12 Controlling exposure to biological hazards. In ICE Manual of Health and Safety in Construction (pp. 137-148). Thomas Telford Ltd.

Lim, V. K. E. (2009). Occupational Infections. Malays J Pathol , 31(1), 1-9.

OSHAcademy. (2017). Health Hazards in Construction. Retrieved September 25, 2019 from https://www.oshatrain.org/courses/mods/850m3.html