WORKPLACE MANAGEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL RISK DURING COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2) PANDEMIC

Authors

  • Carlos Carvalhais Environmental Health Scientific Area, Health and Environment Research Center (CISA), School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESS|P.Porto); Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto
  • Micaela Querido Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto; Environmental Health department, National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge (INSA); Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto
  • Cristiana C. Pereira Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto; Environmental Health department, National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge (INSA)
  • Joana Santos Environmental Health Scientific Area, Health and Environment Research Center (CISA), School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESS|P.Porto); Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESS|P.Porto); LAETA/INEGI, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto

Keywords:

biological risk, COVID19, risk assessment, OSH practice

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic brought several challenges to occupational safety and health practice. There is, however, a potential knowledge gap regarding the practical feasibility and impact of the (re)assessment of the occupational risks, particularly, biological risks in this context.

Aim: The purpose of this work is to present a qualitative biological risk assessment method and to provide guidance to occupational and environmental safety and health practitioners when conducting a biological risk assessment.

Methods: The main steps of the biological risk assessment are explained with some inputs regarding the novelty posed by SARS-CoV-2 and a biological qualitative risk assessment method is presented and applied to two different activities – wastewater treatment plant and a symphonic orchestra.

Results: In both cases, the assessment considered that vulnerable workers were working from home or in medical leave. The results showed low or medium risk level for the assessed tasks. For medium risk level, additional controls are advised, such maintain social distancing, sanitize instruments/equipment before use, use proper and well-maintained PPE (when applicable), and promote awareness sessions to spread good practices at work.

Conclusion(s): Employers must be aware of their obligations regarding biological risk assessment and OSH practitioners must be prepared to screen and link the abundance of scientific evidence generated following the outbreak, with the technical practice. This work could be an important contribution to OSH practice since it highlights the need to (re)assess occupational risks, especially biological risk, to ensure safe conditions at work, providing technical guidance.

 

Presenter e-mail: caa@ess.ipp.pt

Published

2021-04-21

Issue

2021: IFEH 4th World Academic Conference on Environmental Health - Book of Abstracts

Section

Posters