by Grace | Mar 15, 2021 | Health Assessments, Workplace Education
According to Safe Work Australia (2020), World Day for Safety and Health at Work is a time to think about how our actions can prevent future work-related deaths, injuries and illnesses, and a day to remember those that have died from a work-related injury or illness.
By raising awareness of work health and safety and taking action, we can help prevent further injuries and death.
The theme for 2020 is Stop the pandemic: Safety and health at work can save lives.
COVID-19 has brought with it a need for Australians to adapt to rapidly changing workplace practices.
Under the model work health and safety laws, employers have a duty of care for the health and safety of their workers and others in the workplace. This duty extends to managing the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Workplaces can reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by:
- ensuring good hygiene and cleanliness in the workplace
- implementing physical distancing, and
- using personal protective equipment as appropriate.
by Grace | Mar 15, 2021 | Workplace Education
What is Immunodeficiency?
According to World PI Week (2020), primary immunodeficiencies are rare diseases which occur when a person’s immune system is absent or does not function properly. When a defect in the immune system is inherited (carried through the genes), it is called primary immunodeficiency.
‘There are over 380 forms of Primary Immunodeficiency, ranging widely in severity’ – World PI Week (2020).
According to ASCIA (2020), PIDs occur when the immune system does not work normally. The most important function of the body’s immune system is to defend against infections and other invaders (such as cancer cells), whilst protecting the body’s own cells. Everyone gets infections, however infections in people with PIDs can be:
- Unusually persistent, recurrent or resistant to treatment.
- Due to unusual germs (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites).
- Unexpectedly severe.
Some PIDs may increase the chance of autoimmunity or cancer. Autoimmunity occurs when the body doesn’t recognise its own cells and attacks them.
Warning Signs:
- Two or more ear infections in one year;
- Two or more sinus infections in one year;
- Recurrent deep skin or organ abscesses;
- Persistent fungal infections
- Repeat viral infections (colds, warts, etc)
- Need for IV antibiotics to clear infections
- Chronic diarrhoea with weight loss;
- Family history of PID;
Diagnosis:
According to the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention, early diagnosis can help prevent or delay some health problems caused by PI. Left untreated, some types of PI can result in serious health problems including organ damage and even death. Taking steps to prevent infection is very important however if you are concerned, speak to your local GP to discuss further.
by Grace | Mar 15, 2021 | Uncategorised
Workplace Health and Safety Vic aim to keep you always informed and in light of World Immunisation Week, although not forcing any opinions, we bring some reputable information to you.
How do vaccines work?
According to The World Health Organisation (2020), vaccines contain weakened or inactive parts of a particular organism. When a vaccine is administered, antibodies are produced by your body and develop memory cells. From this, the body is trained to fight the specific disease, building up memory of the pathogen so it can fight it if exposed in the future. After your body has produced antibodies to fight future exposure, this is called ‘immunisation’.
Herd Immunity:
According to The World Health Organisation (2020), when someone is vaccinated, they are very likely to be protected against the targeted disease – however, not everyone can be vaccinated (such as people with underlying health issues or people with allergies to some vaccine components). These people can still be protected if they live in and amongst others who are vaccinated. When a lot of people in a community are vaccinated the pathogen has difficulty circulating because most of the people it encounters are immune. This is called ‘herd immunity’.
Flu Shots:
Workplace Health and Safety Vic offer flu clinics at your workplace. Our Nurses are highly skilled and trained and are up to date with the latest Covid-19 information. If you’d like to book your clinic, email [email protected] today.
by Grace | Mar 15, 2021 | Uncategorised
Saturday 17th April was World Haemophilia Day which raises awareness of haemophilia, von Willebrand disease and other inherited bleeding disorders.
What is Haemophillia?
Haemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly, caused when blood does not have enough clotting factor (Haemophilia Foundation Australia, 2020).
Bleeding is most commonly internal, usually into the joints or muscles. These bleeding episodes may occur spontaneously, without any obvious cause, or as a result of trauma or injury. Speciailised treatment is needed to help blood clot normally.
What are the complications?
If internal bleeding is not stopped quickly with treatment, it will result in pain and swelling. Over a period of time bleeding into the joints and muscles can cause permanent damage such as arthritis, chronic pain and joint damage requiring surgery (Haemophilia Foundation Australia, 2020).
How is haemophilia diagnosed?
If haemophilia is suspected, blood tests can measure the levels of clotting factors. These tests can show the type and severity of the disease (Health Direct, 2021).
by Grace | Mar 15, 2021 | Workplace Education
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder in which abdominal pain is associated with a range of symptoms. Typically, these include intermittent abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, or alternating episodes of both. Other symptoms may also be present (aboutibs.org.au)
According to the Gut Foundation (2021), approximately 20% of the Australia population experience IBS symptoms, with women three times more likely to experience IBS than men.
Although IBS is not associated with an increased risk for life-threatening illness, it is associated with a significant health care and economic burden.
Studies have shown that IBS patients have an increased number of outpatient health care visits, diagnostic tests, and surgeries. IBS can also severely compromise a person’s quality of life. IBS is second only to the common cold as a cause of absenteeism from work (International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, 2016).
Symptoms of IBS may include:
- Cramping and pain
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Alternating constipation and diarrhoea
- Changes in bowel movements
- Gas and bloating
- Food intolerance
- Fatigue and difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety and depression
If you suspect you may have IBS symptoms, speak with your GP as there are ways to manage the syndrome.