Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease) Toolbox Talk
Access a complete free toolbox talk on Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease). Learn how to control and manage it and run a Leptospirosis risk assessment to reduce the chance of it developing in your workplace. For more TBTs that cover all sorts of health and safety issues, check out more than 60 toolbox talks online with Protecting.
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Introduction
The presence of rats on construction sites should be discouraged so far as is practicable by undertaking a Weil’s disease risk assessment of the premises. To some extent, rats are unavoidable and they carry with them a risk of Weil’s disease. The risk of Weil’s disease exists even where rats are no longer present, but were before work commenced, as the organism is carried in rats’ urine.
Note: Variations of this disease can also be carried by livestock (like the bovine derivation of leptospirosis).
Main points
- Discourage the presence of vermin by disposing of waste food properly.
- Do not handle the carcasses of dead rats found on site.
- Always wash your hands and forearms using hot water and soap. If clothing is contaminated then bag it and wash it.
Discussion points
- The leptospirosis organism contaminates humans by entering broken skin, or by passing through very thin linings such as the eye, ear, nose, throat, anal, and vaginal areas. Cover up any cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings where there’s any risk of rats. If you cut yourself whilst at work, get it treated by a doctor/nurse.
- Consider the use of suitable PPE to assist in protection (i.e. coveralls).
- Leptospirosis starts as a mild disease but becomes serious if left untreated, and can be fatal.
- Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms are very similar to flu. If you have been exposed to the risk of leptospirosis, then advise your doctor – a simple blood test can quickly confirm either way.
- The greatest risk is to those working near water, who should consider carrying a card or tag warning of risk from the disease.
- Remember that if you fall into infected water, you run the risk of contamination via water getting into your nose, ears, or mouth. If in doubt get it checked out.
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