Chatper 12 : Human Work

Abstract:

This chapter focuses discusses occupational groups and examples of work-related infections. The occupations discussed are construction and mining, manufacture and maintenance, military, police and guard, farm, forest, forest, herd and abattoir, cooking and catering, health and laboratory, cleaning, garbage and waste, classroom, clerk and store, and transportation. Occupational infections are acquired at the workplace or during work time. A link with work is supported by (i) compatible exposure (type and intensity), (ii) compatible incubation period and manifestations, (iii) infections significantly more prevalent in workers than controls or populations of corresponding age, and (iv) recovery of identical agent strains from humans and the workplace. Exposure history should include current and lifetime workplaces; hazards on the job, including from outdoor and indoor activities and contacts with animals, plants, foods, and people; absenteeism; and preventive measures. Vaccination and exposure prevention can reduce occupational infection risks such as influenza (vaccination), legionellosis (ventilation), tuberculosis (rapid case finding), diarrhea (hand hygiene), pyodermia (showers), HIV (education), and malaria (mosquito proofing and chemoprophylaxis).