Source: Worksafe New Zealand
Our guidance on leptospirosis was recently updated to make it more accessible and user-friendly.
Online learning modules were created, as well as a printable one-page info sheet with key points for workers.
The updated guidance is for those working in close contact with animals and anyone visiting rural/farming areas.
We received positive feedback from businesses in the agriculture sector who are using the modules in their worker training.
“This learning module is a great addition to the education we provide to our staff.”
– Aliesha Mitchell, Health and Recovery Lead at Silver Fern Farms
“The WorkSafe learning modules for preventing and managing leptospirosis are great. We are incorporating these into our training programs for our farm-based staff.”
– Angela White, Health Safety and Wellbeing Lead at DairyNZ
Leptospirosis is the most common work-related infectious disease in New Zealand. People usually catch it from exposure to the urine of infected animals.
Sickness usually starts with flu-like symptoms, and if not treated quickly the disease can be severe and result in hospitalisation, long-term illness or even death.
Those who come into close contact with animals and are exposed to their urine, body fluids or flesh – especially in wet environments – are most at-risk.
Providing this guidance aligns with our strategy, with our target to influence agriculture as a priority sector, with serious known risks from animals on farms.
Heavy rain and flooding have been identified as an increasing risk in the spreading of the disease, and information about this is in the updated guidance.
“The update to our leptospirosis guidance and providing the learning modules is part of our work to bring our guidance up to date and make it more accessible,” says Guidance Content Advisor Matt Stewart.
This guidance replaced the previous leptospirosis good practice guide and nine fact sheets that were about specific jobs or animal species.
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