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).