Biological hazards, also known as biohazards, refer to biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily that of humans. This can include medical waste or samples of a microorganism, viruses, or toxins (from a biological source) that can affect human health. Symbolized by a striking medallion of curving, curlicue scepters (Figure 1), the sinister nature of the biohazard is evoked by the sharp and pointed nature of the otherwise round symbol.

Exposure to Biological Hazards

Exposure to biological hazards may occur during demolition, renovation, sewer work, work on air handling systems, or other construction work from contact with contaminated or disease-carrying materials, such as:

• soil
• water
• insects (mosquitoes, ticks)
• bird or bat droppings
• animals
• structures

The most common biological health hazards in the workplace are found:

• while working in health care facilities
• where there is an accumulation of animal waste and the presence of rodents, insects and birds
• during demolition and remodeling of old structures and buildings where there is likely the presence of mold
• when removing plants, trees and other foliage during landscaping and clearing operations.

No workplace is immune from biological hazards. They can appear and disappear due to a variety of factors so it is important for one to be prepared for them in the workplace. For part 3 of 7 in our Workplace Hazards series, we are covering biological hazards. A biological safety hazard is a substance produced by an organism that may pose a threat to human health. Anything that can cause harm to people, animals, or infectious plant materials can be considered a Biological Hazard. They exist in most workplaces that involve working around other people, in unsanitary conditions, in labs, or in the environment.

Biological Hazards

Sources of biological hazards may include bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, and humans. These sources can cause a variety of health effects ranging from skin irritation and allergies to infections (e.g., tuberculosis, AIDS), cancer, and so on.

• Anthrax
• Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria and Organisms
• Avian Influenza
• Bed Bugs in the Workplace
• Clostridium Difficile
• Common Cold
• Flood Clean-up
• HIV/AIDS (11)
• Hantavirus
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Histoplasmosis
• Indoor Air Quality – Moulds and Fungi
• Influenza
• Legionnaires’ Disease
• Lyme Disease
• Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
• Needlestick and Sharps Injuries
• Pandemic Influenza (Flu)
• Psittacosis
• Q Fever
• Rabies
• Toxoplasmosis
• Tuberculosis
• Working Safely around Stinging Insects, etc.

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