The COVID-19 pandemic accentuates the need to protect workers from exposure to biological agents. The results of an EU-Osha project on the problem of exposure to biological agents in the workplace and health effects.
A new report by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) summarises the results of a major project to tackle exposure to biological agents at work and related health effects. Although it was conducted before the Covid 19 pandemic, its results are highly relevant in the current global context. The results cover problem areas, vulnerable groups, emerging risks and monitoring systems.
"Global health problems put health systems under strain and urgent measures are needed to protect workers from infectious diseases beyond the provision of protective equipment.
Exposure to biological agents in the workplace is widespread and linked to numerous health problems, including infectious diseases, allergies and cancer. It is estimated that, in the EU alone, 5 000 workers die each year from work-related infectious diseases. The new EU-OSHA report aims to raise awareness and provide reliable information to help design effective preventive measures.