Toolbox Talk

SAFETY TOOLBOX MEETING

LEPTOSPIROSIS JAUNDICE (WEILS DISEASE)

The nature of your work may take you into places that could have been visited by RATS before you. The rat
uncontrollably urinates during its existence and therefore you could be exposed to the organism which lives in the
bladder of rats. (This organism can also be found in other such animals).

The organism can pass through broken skin and even penetrate very thin skin linings such as: the eye, ear, nose,
throat, anal, and vaginal areas.

After working in an area where you could have been in contact with rats or handled anything that might have been
contaminated by them, wash your hands and forearms with hot water and soap. If clothing has become
contaminated, have it bagged and washed. NB. The organism can survive sometime after contamination has taken
place.

If you have cuts or abrasions, cover them before work starts. If you cut yourself during work, have the cuts treated
and covered by your doctor/nurse.

The symptoms of the disease are very similar to Flu symptoms but last longer. The skin and the whites of the eye
could turn yellow; inform your Health Centre/Doctor that you could have been exposed to Leptospirosis. A simple
blood test will confirm it; and will save your life if treated early enough.

Operatives engaged in work that might bring him into contact with sewage or water that may contain leptospira
should be issued with a card by his employer giving information on Weils Disease and information for his doctor.

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