Lesson 1.2.8
Immunisation
Workers exposed to sewage, including sewage treatment workers and those handling sewage sludge, face risk of respiratory disease, systemic health effects, and bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infection.
Restorers are regularly in direct contact with sewage, contaminated water, blood-borne pathogens and bio-pollutants. All of that raises infectious disease risk.
Vaccine recommendations
- Hepatitis A — recommended for sewage workers under Australian government guidelines.
- Hepatitis A and B — the Twinrix vaccine is recommended for workers at risk of Hepatitis B.
CDC guidance (2015) on reducing health risks for workers handling human waste or sewage says employers should develop vaccination recommendations in consultation with local health authorities. Tetanus should be up to date, with consideration also given to polio, typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Risks vary by location, so consult a trained health and safety professional to build site-specific plans.