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Safety briefing - Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease)
If staff work outside in areas where there are rats, there’s a risk from an illness known as Weil’s disease or leptospirosis. Use our safety briefing to raise awareness.
The risk
Rats can carry Leptospira bacteria which can cause Weil’s disease in humans, an illness which can cause organ failure. It’s passed on through the urine of animals including rats and can survive for long periods, particularly in wet areas. As a result, those who work around ditches, watercourses, sewage and moist soil are especially at risk of picking up the bacteria from skin contact.
What to do
The briefing is designed to convey key points in ten minutes. The summary of “Hazards” explains the characteristics of the illness, how to avoid it and who may be at risk. In the “Control measures” section we ask staff to help by not encouraging the presence of vermin. There are also tips on hygiene: not handling dead rats; avoiding contact with contaminated water; washing hands before eating, drinking and smoking; cleaning cuts with antiseptic wipes; limiting skin contact; and removing wet clothing as soon as possible. Workers are encouraged to carry a card or tag, showing they are at risk of leptospirosis, and promptly seeking medical advice if they think they may have been infected.
