NT WorkSafe urges workplaces to remain alert to the potential threat of melioidosis

NT WorkSafe Urges Workplaces to Remain Alert to the Potential Threat of Melioidosis

NT WorkSafe is urging all territory workplaces to exercise caution and take appropriate measures to protect workers from melioidosis risk. Employers handling soil, gardening tasks, or outdoor equipment should be alert to this hazardous bacteria present in tropical environments.

A Darwin worker was recently diagnosed with melioidosis after seeking medical attention for severe back pain. Investigations revealed the worker had been engaged in gardening work prior to diagnosis, highlighting how quickly this disease can develop from seemingly routine outdoor duties.

Why Workplaces Should Be Vigilant

NT WorkSafe urges workplaces to take proactive steps to protect workers who are exposed to environments where bacteria may exist. Failure to promptly address hazardous bacteria in soil and water can lead to serious health consequences, including melioidosis, a potentially fatal condition affecting several bodily systems.

Employers should consider the following control measures to reduce risk during outdoor or ground-disturbing work:

• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment for workers handling soil or engaging in gardening activities
• Ensure cuts, wounds, or abrasions are covered before working with soil or hazardous equipment
• Encourage workers to seek prompt medical care if symptoms such as fever, cough, or unexplained pain develop after exposure
• Review safety procedures regularly, particularly during wet season months when bacteria thrive

Managing Equipment and Hazards on Site

Correctly maintained equipment plays a significant part in reducing exposure risk. Gardening tools, protective equipment, and other outdoor equipment should be cleaned after use to limit contamination between work sites.

Workplaces should also assess broader hazards linked to soil disturbance, much like the caution recommended in guidance addressing asbestos-related risks. Both situations demand thorough hazard identification before equipment gets used near disturbed ground.

Similarly, businesses managing outdoor infrastructure should review related safety notices, including advice on securing septic tank lids, since ground-level hazards often overlap across sites.

Supporting Worker Health and Safety

Protecting worker health requires more than reactive measures. Employers should integrate melioidosis awareness into broader safety training, alongside participation in initiatives such as safety month activities promoted across the territory.

For sites where public interaction occurs alongside outdoor or ground-disturbing tasks, referencing resources like the Hospitality & Retail SWMS for dealing with the public or the Construction Sites SWMS for dealing with the public can help maintain safety standards across varied environments.

Businesses relying on plant and equipment during outdoor tasks should also consult the updated Code of Practice for managing risks of plant in the workplace, which outlines control measures relevant to equipment used near contaminated soil.

Where emergency situations arise on site, having a documented response plan, such as an Emergency Response Procedure, ensures workplaces remain prepared regardless of hazard type.

Key Takeaway

NT WorkSafe continues urging employers across the territory to remain alert, review equipment practices, and prioritise care when workers face potential exposure to hazardous bacteria. Prompt action protects both immediate health outcomes and long-term workplace safety culture.

Learn more here.