Infectious Diseases

Many workers are at risk of contracting an infectious disease through their work. Health and safety reps have the right to be involved in the process to identify, assess and control the risk to workers of infectious diseases in the workplace.

General information on Infectious Diseases
Many workers are at risk of contracting an infectious disease through their work. The consequences can be very serious. As for any other hazard, as...
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Needlestick Injuries
Many workers face the daily risk of injury from skin punctures caused by hypodermic needles and other sharp instruments. If  needlestick injuries are a hazard...
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Air Conditioning & Legionnaires Disease
Many workers spend long periods of time indoors, in air-conditioned buildings. If the air-conditioning system is not maintained, a number of problems, some potentially lethal,...
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Legionnaires disease
Legionnaires' Disease is spread by legionella bacteria and can be fatal. The legionella bacteria can contaminate and grow in air-conditioning units and people working in...
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Hepatitis A
Many workers across a number of industries are at risk of contracting Hepatitis A which is spread when the hepatitis A virus is taken in...
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Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is usually transmitted by contact with infected human blood.  For information on hepatitis in general, see Hepatitis A on this website. Action plan...
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Hepatitis C
For information on hepatitis in general, see Hepatitis A on this website. Action plan for health and safety representatives Identify the hazard and assess the...
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Human Immunodeficiency Virus/HIV
What is AIDS? Legal Standards Issues in the Workplace Action plan for health and safety reps More information    What is AIDS? Acquired Immune Deficiency...
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Tuberculosis
Workers in a number of occupations are at risk of contracting the infectious disease tuberculosis. OHS reps need to ensure that employers minimise the risks...
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Staphylococcus - the 'superbug'
Staphylococcus is potentially a huge issue - and hazard - for healthcare workers. What is Staphylococcus? What are the symptoms? How is it spreadHow is...
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Infectious Diseases: More information
There is a great deal of information on the internet. Try the following: Relevant regulations: The Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001  The Health (Legionella) Regulations...
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Influenza
For people with chronic medical conditions, the young and the old, influenza can be severe and even fatal. Seasonal Influenza, 2019: this year health experts...
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COVID-19
COVID-19 Introduction Action Plan for HSRs Rights of HSRs Advice for Employers  Advice for Workers More information on COVID-19 How to stay informed  If you're...
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COVID-19: The Use of Face Masks and Shields at Work
 Page Overview Updates The Employer's Duty Duty to Consult Next Steps Q and As Quality of Masks The advice here is general. HSRs and workers...
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COVID-19 Victorian Situation
As of Tuesday 13th December 2022, Victoria recorded:     4,376 new daily infections     20 COVID deaths    680 hospitalisations, with 26 currently in ICU.  Cumulatively this equals:       2,781,559 total Victorian infections...
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COVID-19 Vaccines
June 27, 2022 Victoria's vaccine status The Victorian government requires that all workers – in Melbourne and regional Victoria – on the Authorised Worker list be...
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COVID-19: Rapid Antigen Testing in your Workplace
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Covid-19 is an airborne infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Infection can occur through droplets in the air and contaminated surfaces,...
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