Biological Hazards
Biological hazards are organic substances or micro-organisms that pose a threat to the health of humans and other living organisms. They also include toxins that are produced by organisms.
Examples of biological hazards include:
- pathogenic bacteria
- viruses
- fungi
- parasites
Biological hazards can pose risks for workers in a variety of ways. People working with micro-organisms (for example, in laboratories) are at a higher risk of exposure.
Other examples of work activities that can bring people into contact with biological hazards are:
- working with animals
- working with people who might be infectious
- handling waste materials
- working in an environment or with equipment that could be contaminated
Examples of common occupational infections that can arise from these activities include:
- anthrax (natural host – farm animals)
- hepatitis B and C (natural host – humans)
- leptospirosis – weil’s disease (natural host – rodents)