02/12/2025
Dealing with Biological Hazards in the Workplace
What Are Biological Hazards?
A biological hazard is anything produced by a living organism that can cause harm to humans, animals, or plants. These hazards are found in workplaces where people work closely together, in unsanitary environments, laboratories, outdoor environments, and anywhere biological material is present.
Common Biological Hazards in the Workplace:
• Mold and fungi
• Blood and body fluids
• Sewage
• Airborne viruses and bacteria (e.g., flu, common cold)
• Stinging insects
• Hazardous plants
• Animal or bird droppings
Once these hazards are identified, a safety plan should be created to reduce risks and protect employees.
Biological Hazard Assessment Questions
To properly assess risks in your workplace, consider the following:
1. Are employees working around people or animals who might be sick or contagious?
2. Do employees work with or near animals or insects?
3. Is the workplace free of mold and fungi?
4. Will employees be exposed to sewage, waste, or other biological materials?
5. Do employees have the right protective equipment (PPE)?
6. Are sharp items cleaned, stored, and disposed of correctly?
After identifying hazards, eliminate as many as possible and reduce the risks of any that remain.
High-Risk Industries for Biological Hazards
Some industries have higher exposure due to the nature of their work:
1. Healthcare and Medical Labs - Workers often deal with blood, bodily fluids, and airborne diseases.
2. Waste Management and Sanitation - Employees are exposed to sewage, contaminated waste, and harmful bacteria.
3. Agriculture and Forestry - Workers may encounter animal droppings, insects, and toxic plants.
4. Biotechnology and Research Labs - Employees work directly with biological agents and experimental materials.
Engineering and Administrative Controls
To protect workers, workplaces should use two types of control measures:
Engineering Controls
Physical changes that reduce hazards, such as:
• Regular cleaning and disinfecting
• Pest control
• Required PPE and safety equipment
• Proper waste and material disposal
• Keeping workplaces clean and clutter-free
Administrative Controls
Changes to work procedures and policies, such as:
• Allowing sick leave to prevent spreading illness
• Worker check-ins
• Immunization programs
• Minimizing exposure to hazards
• Providing training on biological safety
These controls should be reviewed at least once a year or whenever workplace conditions change (for example, seasonal changes).
Biological Hazard Risks for Lone Workers
Working alone increases the risk because:
• Some hazards are hard to spot
• Workers may not be able to get help quickly
• Outdoor work increases exposure to insects and plants
For example, a worker who is allergic to bee stings may not be able to call for help during a severe reaction. Lone worker monitoring systems can help by sending emergency alerts when needed.
Managing Hazards Before Someone Gets Hurt
Because biological hazards often appear suddenly, the best protection is being prepared. Make sure workers - especially lone workers - are trained to recognize and report biological hazards.
Taking proactive steps such as hazard assessments, training, and regular reviews not only protects employees but also supports compliance with workplace safety regulations and builds a strong safety culture.
If you or anyone you know are looking for Safety Training or any other Health and Safety Services, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected] / [email protected]
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