Introduction
Your dedication to flood recovery and response work is essential, but it comes with certain health risks. This guide is designed to help you understand the risks you may face and how to safeguard your health. It is also crucial for securing potential compensation payments in case of workplace accidents or injuries related to your duties.
Understanding Infection Risks
As a worker involved in flood recovery and response work, it's vital to comprehend the various infection risks you may encounter. These risks stem from exposure to contaminated floodwater, soil, mud, and other potential hazards.
Infection Risks Include:
- Gastrointestinal illnesses ('gastro')
- Skin infections
- Mosquito-borne diseases
- Leptospirosis
- Melioidosis
- Tetanus
Knowing Your Rights
It's important to realize that an infection caused by carrying out your work is a notifiable incident. This means that if you fall ill due to an infection you contracted while working, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.
Protecting Your Health
To safeguard your health and your right to compensation, you need to follow these critical measures during flood response and recovery work:
Avoid or Minimize Contact
Wherever possible, avoid direct contact with floodwater, soil, and mud. If contact is unavoidable, use machinery to minimize direct interaction.
Workplace Facilities
Ensure that your workplace provides adequate facilities for maintaining good hygiene, including clean and safe washing facilities, drinking water, eating areas, and toilets.
Personal Hygiene
Practice good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing with clean running water, soap, and paper towels. Proper hygiene includes handwashing before and after specific activities, such as contact with floodwater.
Hygiene for Non-Intact Skin
Before beginning work, check for cuts, abrasions, and non-intact skin. Cover these with a water-resistant dressing and replace it if it becomes wet. Avoid contact with floodwater if you have an uncovered open wound.
Safe Food and Water Practices
Be cautious of consuming food and drink that may be contaminated by floodwater. Ensure your meal breaks occur in clean areas.
Proper Clean-Up
Thoroughly clean and disinfect surfaces, equipment, and items that have been in contact with floodwater, soil, and mud. Follow the recommended cleaning procedures and discard items that can't be adequately cleaned.
First Aid and Wound Care
Promptly provide first aid and wound care, especially for minor cuts, to prevent infection. Seek medical advice for wounds showing signs of infection, tetanus-prone wounds, or animal bites.
Worker Health
Certain medical conditions can increase your susceptibility to infection. Seek medical advice if you have concerns about your health and ensure that your vaccinations, including tetanus, are up to date.
Information and Training
Stay informed about infection risks related to your work, and ensure you receive proper instruction and training.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Use sufficient PPE to protect yourself from infection, including gloves, safety eyewear, enclosed footwear, and protective clothing. The choice of PPE depends on the nature of your work and the level of risk.
Conclusion
Your dedication to flood recovery and response work is invaluable. Protecting your health not only safeguards your well-being but also ensures your eligibility for potential compensation payments in case of workplace accidents or injuries caused by infectious diseases. Follow these guidelines to stay safe and secure your rights.