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)