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Health Vaccinations - What Should an Employer Do?
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My brother has just come out of hospital after contracting leptospirosis through his job (he is on a clean up crew for incidents such as deaths/drug dens etc) . I have queried whether he has been given any vaccinations. he said that hi scompany would only provide them if he got them on expenses and claimed them back - is this an acceptable practice?
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Rank: Super forum user
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I know some of the larger funeral directors do the same for embalmers and staff undertaking collections and preparations.
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Rank: Forum user
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This is acceptable as long as the employer pays for it cos it is eaiser for the employee to do this at his own health practice then get someone in to do it. Employer should ensure this is done regularly for workers and not rely on them to get it done
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Following a risk assessment against BBV in the workplace (indg 347), we have started an inoculation programme for first aiders and cleaners etc. Hope this helps
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Rank: Super forum user
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Leptospirosis vaccine is not used in the UK for humans. There is a vaccine for dogs. If a risk of exposure to leptospirosis is identified under COSHH then the controls that would be expected would be based on limiting or preventing contact with contaminated water etc including the use of PPE and good hygiene practices. As for dealing with vaccination, the system you suggest is common and makes sense for organisations that only need occasional vaccinations as oppose to those that carry out mass programmes for all staff.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Originally Posted by: JoMcCormack My brother has just come out of hospital after contracting leptospirosis through his job (he is on a clean up crew for incidents such as deaths/drug dens etc) . I have queried whether he has been given any vaccinations. he said that hi scompany would only provide them if he got them on expenses and claimed them back - is this an acceptable practice?
There is no vaccination for leptospirosis for humans
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Rank: Super forum user
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"Health and safety law requires that employees shall not be charged for vaccines offered as means of protecting them at work. In providing vaccines, employers should ensure that employees are made aware of the advantages and disadvantages of immunisation and its limitations. Occupational health records should be kept updated of any immunisation course(s) undertaken. Employees are at liberty to refuse immunisation, but any refusal should be considered as part of the risk assessment"
http://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/blood-borne-viruses/immunisation.htm
There is no vaccine for HIV or HepC. HepB is a multi-course vaccination that in some cases fails to give immunity (never worked for me, over two courses) na dhence needs an antibody test after...
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Rank: Super forum user
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The charity I work for tries to have all front line staff innoculated against the Hep varietys of BBV. Recent questioning to our health worker and local hospitals and surgerys informed us that there is/was a worldwide shortage of Hep vaccinations.
In short we had a recent needlestick injury, and the reason for non vaccination from the authoritys was, As needle was dry, and not in use for over 48hrs there was no real threat of any infection being contracted, plus as the worker had visited Nepal the previous year the innoculations for that trip would cover any issues that she may arise.
Whilst I didn't agree with this "story" from the health professionals, I hit a wall and could find nowhere to innoculate my staff.
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Rank: Super forum user
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There is actually no vaccine available for Leptospirosis so in your brother's case vaccinations would not have prevented his illness. Its a bit of a grey area, vaccination is invasive and generally employers will offer vaccination but employees are not obliged to take it up.
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Rank: Super forum user
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There is an array of control measures to protect against BBV and most of these controls are far better than inoculations, which IMHO should ‘never’ be relied upon. For Leptospirosis good old fashion washing the hands is the top option in my book, especially before smoking or eating.
Edited by user 28 June 2018 00:13:27(UTC)
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Rank: Super forum user
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Originally Posted by: toe There is an array of control measures to protect against BBV and most of these controls are far better than inoculations, which IMHO should ‘never’ be relied upon. For Leptospirosis good old fashion washing the hands is the top option in my book, especially before smoking or eating.
I think good personal hygiene routines are vital in protecting against diseases of all sorts. I was horrified the other week to see a Waitrose employee leave the toilet without washing her hands. Where things like Weil's disease are concerned it is vital to wash your hands BEFORE and AFTER using the toilet. Simple things on construction sites like vermin proof cupboards for storing crockery and cutlery are vital too along with good discipline over food storage. Although employers in high risk industries should offer vaccination where appropriate and available they also need to educate their employees on good hygiene routines and good self care routines so that if any disease is contracted they seek medical advice as soon as possible.
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4 users thanked Hsquared14 for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Being a former microbiologist I always washed my hands BEFORE going to the toilet!
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1 user thanked A Kurdziel for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Toe, could you point me towards a good source for those controls against BBV? I have just found out that one of the secondary duties for two of our staff is checking properties of deceased persons for public funeral purposes- these are not Environmental Health Officers or specialists in this type of work. No RA have been carried out, but we have agreed that this might be a good idea.
Nic
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thank you gentlemen, Prompt and helpful , I have some serous reading to do.
have a nice weekend,
Nic
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Health Vaccinations - What Should an Employer Do?
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