Biological hazards (or biohazards) are organic substances that are hazardous to other organisms (i.e. hazardous to you, me, your pets and your livestock) and include toxins or venom from insects, animals or plants; vector-borne diseases and fungi. Examples of biohazards include:

Where can biohazards be found?

Biohazards can technically be found anywhere, however some workplaces or tasks pose a higher risk than others. These include:

• working with people, animals or plants 
• handling or coming into close proximity to blood, bodily fluids or bodily waste (this includes exposure to sharps, contaminated soils, contaminated bedding or contaminated waste)
• handling or coming into close proximity with garbage or sewage
• handling or coming into close proximity with viruses or pathogens (i.e. in a laboratory; contaminated surfaces in high traffic / high use areas)
• working with mulch or decomposing matter
• working in water affected buildings
• working outdoors in nature.

If your work has the potential for a biohazard exposure (hint: most do), it's important to have processes to effectively assess and manage the risk. A well documented Biological Hazard Procedure, as well as controls to either eliminate or reduce risk of exposure will assist to keep your workforce safe. In some instances immunisation plans are necessary (i.e. for healthcare workers), however these should be developed in consultation with a registered Occupational Physician to ensure any immunisations are appropriate to the work performed.