There are several hazards in the workplace that employers must be aware of. These include safety and physical hazards. They also include chemical and environmental hazards.
Employers must provide a safe workplace by eliminating these hazards. Unfortunately, while employers work through the elimination process, they often forget about the potential for health hazards.
Legionnaires’ disease, for instance, is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. These bacteria thrive in water systems. So, any business with water-based systems, complex plumbing, or cooling towers is at risk.
For an employer to ensure a safe work environment, they must act proactively to prevent the spread of Legionella. If they don’t, their employees’ health is at risk. Not to mention that employers can be held legally liable when employees get sick.
Legionnaire’s disease happens when a person breathes in Legionella bacteria. While it usually affects the lungs, it can impact the brain and gastrointestinal tract.
Legionella is also known to cause Pontiac fever, a less serious illness. Still, Legionnaires’ can be life-threatening.
There are around 60 species of Legionella, but Legionnaires’ disease is most often caused by Legionella pneumophila. Moreover, Legionella is found naturally in soil and bodies of water.
When Legionella contaminates water and air systems in businesses, employees can breathe it in or aspirate it if water in the mouth gets into the lungs. Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious.
When there is an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, it is usually because heating and cooling or water systems have been contaminated. The disease can also spread through hot tubs, humidifiers, shower heads, and water features.
Employers must maintain a safe working environment under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. An employer failing to address Legionella risks could lead to fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage.
It is easier and far less costly to take action to prevent a Legionnaires’ outbreak than to try and curb an outbreak. Legionnaires’ disease is highly preventable. If an employer implements safety measures, they ensure their employees’ well-being.
OSHA provides extensive guidelines for managing water systems to minimize Legionella risk. Many states have specific regulations around water system safety.
There are several steps employers must take to manage Legionella in the workplace. This process starts with a Legionella risk assessment. Employers should have the professionals do the assessment.
The point of the assessment is to examine all areas within the workplace to identify risk factors. For instance, water should not stay between 20 and 45 degrees Celsius. If it does, it becomes a breeding ground for Legionella bacteria, which will multiply and spread.
The assessment must also consider whether vapor, aerosols, or droplets are created within the workplace. These can potentially carry contaminated water into the air, where employees can inhale it.
When the assessment is completed, the employer must appoint a Legionella risk manager. This person will be in charge of ensuring the building is safe from a health perspective.
Moreover, if the assessment identified potential Legionella risks in a building, these risks must be eliminated completely. For instance, cold water must always be below 20 degrees Celsius. Hot water must always be above 50 degrees Celsius. It is also important to keep water moving so it does not stagnate.
If there are taps and showers in the building that are not used often but are still required, they must be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Regular flushing with water will also help flush out stagnant water.
Employers must have a written record of risk findings and actions taken if they employ more than five employees. These records should apply to current risks and be kept for two years after the point where these risks are no longer current.
If an employer has a wet cooling tower or evaporative condenser on the premises, they must notify their local authorities. There will be forms to complete to ensure the business complies with the Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers Regulations of 1992.
Employers must ensure the health and safety of employees in the workplace. A risk assessment (and action) is a must to ensure that employees are not exposed to the dangers of Legionella bacteria.
When employers take preventative measures, they fulfill their legal obligation to protect employees. A proactive approach is always better when managing water safety and ensuring a healthy workplace for everyone.
