WorkCover Queensland underscores the potential dangers of Q fever, an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, commonly found in some livestock, companion animals, and wildlife. As a zoonosis, the infection can be transmitted to humans from infected animals.

Infected animals release bacteria in their urine, feces, and milk, especially during birth, leading to widespread contamination of their environment. The bacteria can endure harsh conditions and persist for months to years.

Workers face the risk of Q fever through airborne transmission of bacteria in dust or aerosols, as well as through close contact with infected animals. Although some infected individuals may show mild symptoms resembling a cold, acute cases can result in flu-like illness, occasionally requiring hospitalization. While most people recover fully, some may experience chronic fatigue or other health issues. Early antibiotic treatment can reduce the duration of illness.

Construction workers may be at risk if the site was previously used for livestock grazing or is heavily contaminated with kangaroo excreta. Factors influencing the risk include the duration since livestock grazing, the extent of excreta contamination, soil disturbance, and prevailing weather conditions, especially dry and windy conditions.

To manage Q fever risks at construction sites, WorkCover Queensland advises identifying activities generating dust, planning preventive measures, and communicating them in advance. Environmental sampling for Q fever bacteria in soil is not recommended as a reliable risk indicator.Further information on Q fever and human health can be found on the Queensland Health website.

Dust management strategies include:

Ways to manage dust include:

Suppression

• Use engineering and design controls to manage dust (e.g. dust screens, dust catchers fitted to equipment, mechanical ventilation systems, wind breaks and barriers).
• Use water to suppress dust and prevent it from becoming airborne (e.g. use water tankers, static sprinklers and other watering methods).
• Protect the soil from wind erosion (e.g. by applying protective ground cover such as mulch and vegetation, using chemical bonding agents or treatments, and covering or sealing transitory mounds of soil).
• Revegetate or seal exposed soil once earthworks are completed.

Isolation

• Equip earthmoving machinery with an enclosed and ventilated cabin.
• Fitting high efficiency air filtering systems (e.g. HEPA filters) to the intake and cabin recirculation air intake of front end loaders, excavators and other machinery.
• Locate car parks, site entry, offices, washing facilities and dining facilities away from areas where dust is generated and keep doors and windows closed to keep the dust out.

Work practices

• Avoid using high pressure water systems to clean dirt and dust from surfaces and equipment.
• Provide vehicle washing facilities and where necessary wash down vehicles before leaving the site.
• Minimise site disturbance (e.g. by keeping vehicle movements to a minimum, limiting traffic movement over loose soil, keeping general site traffic to watered, treated or sealed haul roads and limiting vehicle speed).
• Wash hands regularly and clean dust and soil off work boots before entering site buildings.
• Use a properly fitted (PDF, 0.86 MB) particulate respirator to protect against dust and instruct workers in its correct use and fit.

Housekeeping

• Ensure regular cleaning of areas to minimise the accumulation of dust and dirt.
• Clean surfaces and equipment using wet cleaning rather than dry sweeping or using compressed air.

The Q Fever Register has a list of doctors who provide Q fever screening and vaccination.

Workers who have completed Q fever screening and vaccination are able to store this information on the Q Fever Register.