Controls

In order to control the risks of biological agents, your UMC takes measures in a specific order: first, the source of the problem is removed and, if this fails, other measures are taken.

Step 1: Source measures

Bacteria, viruses and fungi are everywhere. They are on our skin, in faeces, in saliva, etc. It is therefore impossible to completely eradicate all infectious diseases. However, the cause of the problem must be eliminated as much as possible. An example of such a source measure is the disinfection of workplaces.

Step 2: Collective measures

If source measures are not possible, collective measures to limit the risks will come into play. A distinction is made between:

• Organisational measures: vaccination, banning sick staff or clients, banning pregnant staff of high-risk departments, staggering lunch breaks, teleworking, cleaning programmes.
• Technical measures: installing an extraction system and proper monitoring of water supply systems for legionella.

Providing information and drawing up a protocol for bite, scratch or needle stick incidents are also examples of collective measures.

Step 3: Individual measures

If collective measures are not possible or do not provide a satisfactory solution, individual measures are needed. For example, task rotation can be used to organise work in such a way that staff are less at risk.

Step 4: Personal protective equipment

If the above measures are ineffective, your UMC will provide personal protective equipment such as gloves and mouth masks free of charge.

If there is a genuine risk, staff should be offered an occupational health examination. You can also ask your manager for it yourself.

Read more at www.kiza.nl, the site of the Infectious Diseases at Work Knowledge System.

If an employee is ill, the illness must of course be treated properly. In a number of cases (such as HIV and hepatitis B), it is also wise to seek treatment if the disease has not yet been demonstrated. This is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).