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Frequently asked questions

Information on diseases in the workplace

Content

  1. How can I prevent getting infectious diseases at work?
  2. What can be done to prepare for the possibility of pandemic influenza?
  3. Why is sun safety important?
  4. Is there a vaccine for Leptospirosis?
  5. Is the Q fever vaccine mandatory?
  6. Should I inform my employer if I have an infectious disease?
  7. Should employers provide vaccinations for hepatitis B?
  8. What should I do if I find used syringes at my workplace?
  9. Can I get HIV by casual contact in the workplace?

1.  How can I prevent getting infectious diseases at work?

Conscientious use of standard precautions will minimise the risk of workers acquiring infections and transferring infections between persons. Some infections may pose an increased risk for pregnant workers and immunosuppressed individuals, and additional measures may be needed for some diseases requiring isolation.  Standard precautions include:

  • handwashing after any contamination of hands; 
  • care of intact normal skin; 
  • protection of damaged skin by covering with a waterproof dressing or by gloves; 
  • proper handling and disposal of sharps; 
  • good hygiene practices to prevent most infections; 
  • the use of personal protective equipment; and 
  • containment of all blood and body fluids, ie. confining spills, splashes and contamination of the environment and workers to the smallest amount possible. 

2. What can be done to prepare for the possibility of pandemic influenza?

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 ('the Act'), employers are required to provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risks to health. This includes situations where employees and contractors may be at risk of contracting influenza during a pandemic.

If there is concern about the risk of employees being exposed to influenza while at work, a risk assessment should be carried out with reference to information available at the sites shown at the end of this advice. Employers should develop prevention and control strategies appropriate to the workplace, in consultation with their employees and ensure that all employees are aware of these strategies.  These strategies may include plans to deal with contingencies such as staff shortages or infection control requirements arising from an influenza pandemic. 

As it is not known what form a human flu pandemic would take until it actually occurs, it is not possible to provide more specific information.

Further information on the Western Australian Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza can be accessed at: http://www.health.wa.gov.au/

Information about pandemic planning at the workplace is available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website

3. Why is sun safety important?

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. It is well established that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the major cause of skin cancer and eye damage. Outdoor workers are at greater risk from skin cancer and damage to the eyes because they are exposed to the sun throughout the year and receive significantly more UV radiation than indoor workers.

Learn more about sun safety by reading Sun safety in the workplace FAQ.

4. Is there a vaccine for Leptospirosis?

There are many strains of Leptospirosis throughout the world, and some countries have developed vaccines against local strains. Human Leptospirosis vaccine is not available in Australia, but there is a vaccine for livestock.

5. Is the Q fever vaccine mandatory?

Vaccination for Q fever is not mandatory under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 ('the Act').  The Act requires employers to provide a safe system of work, as far as practicable, and ensure employees are not exposed to hazards.

WorkSafe's policy on Q fever is that, for employees working with livestock, a safe system of work must be provided, as far as practicable, so that they are not exposed to the hazard of Q fever.

Vaccination is recognised as a very effective means of prevention and is therefore the preferred primary method of control. Exposed employees should be tested for immunity and if not immune proceed to vaccination.

Other measures which can be taken to help prevent workers from contracting Q fever include:

  • using face masks where appropriate and practicable;
  • minimising exposure to pregnant animals and reproductive tissues and fluids;
  • allocating lower risk work tasks to those at risk of Q fever;
  • educating staff on the transmission of Q fever, and to look out for the signs and symptoms of the disease and maintain a high level of personal hygiene; and
  • encouraging all staff to report any illness associated with fever and to seek early medical attention.  The local doctor should be alerted to the possibility of Q fever.  Early diagnosis (by blood tests) will enable early treatment with appropriate antibiotics thereby minimising serious health effects and ensuring full recovery.

6. Should I inform my employer if I have an infectious disease?

Under OHS legislation, employees have an obligation to cooperate with their employer to help the employer comply with occupational health and safety obligations, and to ensure the health and safety of others in the workplace who may be affected by the employee’s acts or omissions. Workers may be required to notify their employer of incidents where they may expose (or have potentially exposed) a fellow worker or member of the public to certain diseases, such as HIV or Hepatitis B or C. Notification of such incidents is subject to privacy and discrimination legislation.

A list of diseases that employers are required to notify to the WorkSafe Commissioner is provided in the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996.

7.  Should employers provide vaccination for hepatitis B?

Where there is a high risk of contracting hepatitis B at work, a vaccination protocol should be included in a policy for prevention and control of infectious disease for the workplace and where appropriate, vaccination should be available free of charge. Employees should always be given comprehensive information regarding hepatitis B and vaccination and advised to discuss vaccinations with a medical practitioner.

8. What should I do if I find used syringes at my workplace?

The Department of Health provides guidelines on what to do if used syringes are found. 

Notify your employer if you find used syringes at your workplace.  Your employer should provide information to workers and have a policy that outlines the procedure to be followed.

9.  Can I get HIV by casual contact in the workplace?

 No, HIV cannot be transmitted from contact with:

  • toilets or bathrooms;
  • food;
  • cutlery or crockery; or 
  • air - unlike the viruses that cause colds, HIV cannot be spread through the air.

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