For those engaging in flood recovery and response work, WorCover Queensland underscores potential infection risks stemming from contact with contaminated floodwater, soil, and mud. Here's practical guidance:

Exposure Risks:Workers involved in flood response and recovery may encounter infection risks through contact with elements like floodwater, soil, mud, sewage, animal waste, and carcasses. Notably, infections resulting from work activities are considered notifiable incidents.

Specific Risks:

• Gastrointestinal Illness ('Gastro'): Contact with contaminated floodwater and consuming tainted food or drink can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Skin Infections: Individuals with non-intact skin may contract skin infections from germs in floodwater.
• Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Increased mosquito numbers post-floods can spread diseases like Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus.
• Leptospirosis: This disease, originating from animals like cattle and pigs, can infect humans through contact with contaminated water, soil, and vegetation.
• Melioidosis: Caused by bacteria in the soil, melioidosis can be contracted from floodwater and soil, resulting in ulcers, abscesses, pneumonia, and septicemia.

Tetanus Risk:Given the natural occurrence of tetanus-causing bacteria in soil, individuals with tetanus-prone wounds are susceptible. Tetanus can be prevented through vaccination.

Protective Measures:

• Minimize Contact: Whenever possible, avoid direct contact with floodwater, soil, and mud. Utilize machinery to handle debris.
• Workplace Facilities: Ensure clean, safe, and accessible facilities with washing, drinking, eating, and toilet facilities for workers.
• Personal Hygiene: Emphasize regular handwashing and good personal hygiene practices, especially before and after specific activities and first aid.
• Food and Water Safety: Stay cautious about potential contamination of food and water sources. Consume only in clean areas.
• Clean-Up Practices: Thoroughly clean and disinfect surfaces, equipment, and items exposed to floodwater. Exercise care during cleaning to avoid creating infectious aerosols.
• First Aid and Wound Care: Promptly address wounds and injuries. Seek medical advice for signs of infection or if wounds are tetanus-prone.

Protective Gear:

• Gloves: Wear appropriate gloves if in contact with contaminated items.
• Safety Eyewear: Use safety eyewear to shield against splashes of floodwater and mud.
• Footwear: Enclosed footwear is essential, particularly in floodwater or muddy conditions.
• Protective Clothing: Wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, or overalls to shield exposed skin.
• Respiratory Protection: While generally not routine, use respirators where there's a risk of breathing in infectious dust and aerosols.
• Insect Repellent: Employ light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes.

After use, dispose of single-use protective equipment, and wash reusable gear thoroughly.

By adhering to these precautions, workers can mitigate infection risks during flood response and recovery work, contributing to a safer work environment.