Introduction

Understanding and managing the risks associated with melioidosis, especially for workers in contact with soil and surface water, is essential not only for your health but also for safeguarding potential future compensation claims in the event of a workplace accident or injury. This guide empowers you with knowledge on how to identify, assess, and control melioidosis risks in your work environment.

Melioidosis: A Comprehensive Overview

What is Melioidosis?

Melioidosis is a tropical disease caused by bacteria known as Burkholderia pseudomallei, which naturally inhabit the soil. In Queensland, melioidosis primarily occurs in the northern regions but can also emerge in other parts of the state. It is most prevalent during the wet season, especially after heavy rainfall, when the bacteria can be found in mud and surface water.

How Can You Be Exposed to Melioidosis?

Melioidosis Exposure:

Workers can be exposed to melioidosis in several ways:

1. Skin Entry: Bacteria can enter your body through a break in the skin, like a cut or puncture wound.
2. Inhalation: Inhalation of the bacteria in the air is possible, particularly during wet and windy weather or while using high-pressure washers or compressed air to clean mud.
3. Ingestion: Ingesting contaminated water can also lead to melioidosis.
   
   

Health Consequences of Melioidosis:

Melioidosis can lead to various health issues, including mild to severe respiratory illnesses, septicemia (an infection of the bloodstream), infections of the skin and soft tissues, as well as infections of the bones, joints, internal organs, and the brain.

Who Is at Risk?

Identifying At-Risk Workers:

Workers who come into contact with soil and surface water, especially after heavy rainfall in endemic areas, are at risk of melioidosis. This includes various professions such as manual laborers, construction workers, gardeners, horticultural workers, agricultural workers, flood recovery workers, and emergency services workers.

While most healthy adults may not fall ill after exposure to the bacteria, certain personal risk factors, including diabetes, chronic lung or kidney disease, heavy alcohol use, advanced age, cancer, and other medical conditions that weaken the immune system, increase the risk of infection. Workers with such risk factors should discuss their situation with their manager and doctor. In case of illness following contact with wet soil or muddy water, workers should inform their doctor about their work.

Managing the Risk

Minimizing Exposure:

Eliminating exposure is the most effective way to protect workers, although this may not always be possible. In cases where exposure cannot be completely eliminated, measures must be taken to minimize the risk.

Personal Hygiene Practices

Practicing Personal Hygiene:

As a worker at risk of melioidosis, you should adopt the following personal hygiene practices:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, drinking, and smoking, after being in contact with soil and muddy water, and after removing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• If using waterless hand sanitizers, ensure they contain an alcohol content of at least 60 percent and use them only on visibly clean hands. Wash your hands with soap and water at the earliest opportunity.
• Before starting work, check your skin and cover any cuts and other broken skin with clean, dry dressings. If you sustain a wound at work, clean and cover it promptly.
• Refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking when working with wet soil and muddy water.
• If wet soil or muddy water comes into contact with your skin or gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth, wash the affected area thoroughly.
• After completing work, wash or shower to remove any contaminants.

Facilities and Signage:

Workers must have access to proper washing facilities, which should include clean running water, soap, and paper towels or an air hand dryer. Field workers should also be provided with portable hand washing facilities. Signage should be used to remind workers to wash their hands. Workers should also have access to first aid facilities, clean eating areas, and drinking water.

Information, Training, Instruction, and Supervision

Educational Resources:

Employers should provide workers with information about:

• The health risks associated with contact with soil and surface water
• Safe work procedures
• The selection and proper use of PPE
• Effective hand washing practices.
  
  

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wearing PPE:

When working with wet soil and muddy water, it is crucial for workers to wear appropriate PPE, which should include:

• Gloves
• Protective clothing
• Enclosed footwear

If exposed to aerosols of muddy water and wet soil, wear a properly fitted particulate respirator, such as a disposable P2 respirator or higher. Note that a surgical-type mask is insufficient for infection protection.

Heat Stress Considerations

Avoiding Heat Stress:

Take care to prevent heat stress when wearing multiple items of PPE, especially when working in hot and humid conditions. Ensure your well-being and safety while adhering to PPE guidelines.

Conclusion

By understanding and managing the risks associated with melioidosis in your workplace, you not only protect your health but also position yourself for potential compensation claims in case of workplace accidents or injuries. Safety, vigilance, and adherence to safety measures are your best allies in ensuring a secure and prosperous work life.