Biological Agents
HSE Services
Biological hazard safety matters because biological agents are dangerous for companies: they are difficult to control once they enter the workplace.
Our Approach to Biological Hazard Safety
Pandemics, epidemics, and risks specific to a given work environment each require a different approach. Our staff gained considerable experience and knowledge during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we combine that hands-on experience with knowledge from other sources to offer the highest level of biological hazard safety, tailored to the specific biological hazard present in the workplace.
In a dry dock setting, biological hazards often go unnoticed until they cause real harm: legionella can develop in shipboard water and cooling systems left stagnant during refurbishment, mould and fungal growth thrive in poorly ventilated confined spaces, and bilge or sanitary waste can carry pathogens that pose a direct risk to workers. We assess each of these specific to the vessel and worksite, rather than applying a generic checklist.
Our Biological Hazard Safety Services Include
- Health surveillance
- Identification of early signs of ill health
- Training of staff to identify early symptoms
- Administrative biological safety control measures consulting
- Implementing administrative safety control measures
- Monitoring safe systems of work
- Liaison with medical staff
Biological hazard safety is one part of a complete risk assessment approach, applying the same hierarchy of controls we follow for every hazard category.