Infection and disease, particularly from viruses and bacteria, pose significant biological risks in the workplace, impacting employee health and productivity. In the UK, employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 to manage these risks effectively. This involves conducting risk assessments to identify potential sources of infection, implementing control measures such as proper hygiene practices, sanitation, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensuring adequate ventilation. Employers should provide training and information on recognising symptoms of infections and preventative measures, such as vaccination programs and regular health checks. Additionally, clear policies for managing outbreaks, including isolation procedures and communication plans, are essential. By proactively managing biological risks, employers can safeguard employee health, prevent the spread of infections, and maintain a safe and healthy working environment.

Take a look at the information below for things you might want to include in your own H&S policy…

Feel free to copy / paste this list, and you can find out more about our full H&S policy here.

The [Proprietor / Directors] of [My Company] will ensure that;

Persons working in environments where there is a risk to health from disease or infection will be provided with training and information on the identification, avoidance and symptoms of disease and/or infection.
Working in areas where there is a risk of infection or disease will be avoided wherever possible.
A risk assessment will be carried out for all work to identify the risk to health posed by infection and disease.
Specific assessments will be carried out for young persons, persons with disabilities and new or expectant mothers.
Any control measures identified in the above assessments will be put in place to prevent, reduce or control exposure to personnel and/or others who may be affected.
The results/outcomes of any/all of the above assessments and any method statements, written procedures, safe systems of work, permits to work, control measures, PPE requirements, etc. produces from the above assessment will be communicated to the relevant personnel, who will also receive any training required to ensure that the outcomes of the above assessments are met.
Any personal Protective Equipment selected and supplied as a last resort control measure will be assessed as to ensure its suitability to; the person, the task, the environment, combinations of PPE, etc.
All the above assessments and subsequent control measures will be regularly monitored and reviewed as appropriate, taking into account new materials, equipment, legislation, work practices etc.
Incidents related to all occurrences of disease and/or infection will be recorded and investigated. Incidents relating to diseases and infections as listed under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations / Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations will also be reported to the relevant authorities.
Persons working in an environment where there is a risk of disease will be provided details of an occupational health expert and will undergo regular health surveillance.
Transport, storage and disposal of infected materials will be arranged so as not to pose a risk to health, and to comply with current legislation.

Our minimum health and safety performance standards will be obtained from; but not restricted to;

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
HSE’s L5 – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013
Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1988
INDG 84 – Leptospirosis are you at risk?

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Written By Ian

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