Page 1552 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 580

10 August 2017

Weil’s disease

Often on site we sometimes work in areas are susceptible to rat or vermin infestations. Storing
materials or waste near areas containing vermin can result in the materials coming into contact with
bacteria transmitted by the urine of rates, mice or other infected animals. Handling these infected
materials can then transmit the infection to people.

Always follow basic hygiene procedures:

• Washing hands before touching anything that could result in ingesting the leptospiral bacteria.
• Be careful of cross contamination, i.e. gloved hands whilst handling panels stored in a potentially
infested area overnight is safe, but what will those gloves then touch: door handles into the shop,
van, toilet, etc. Your coffee cup, drill, tablet. Keep sanitiser / disinfectant wipes handy.
• Remind each other at the start of every day / shift of the hazard, so as to remind them to be
mindful of the presence of the bacteria

• You can also contract Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease) from contact with contaminated soil or
water, so be careful when moving earth around if changing out secondary signs or pole signs. Be
careful of standing water inside panels, etc. Be aware of and keep clear of fresh water sources in
and around the site, e.g. streams.
• Symptoms may present anything between 2-30 days after infection, but an average of 10 days
after initial exposure and could include:
▪ fever
▪ chills
▪ muscle aches
▪ headaches
▪ cough
▪ nausea
▪ vomiting
▪ loss of appetite

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything we do has
been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and charts, some through visual
presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we receive information in a format that works for
us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters,
videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for us to share health and safety information, please let us know.
Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we will do all we can to keep you well informed!