Weil’s disease policy

If your staff are at risk of Weil’s disease (otherwise known as Leptospirosis), it’s essential that you take some simple precautions to protect them from infection. Set out your arrangements in a Weil’s disease policy.

What is Weil’s disease?

Anywhere frequented by rats will be contaminated by their urine. This may carry bacteria which can cause Leptospirosis infection or, in its most severe form, Weil’s disease. Although rare, this disease is pretty unpleasant and in some cases can be fatal. The symptoms begin with a fever, muscle pain, severe headache, fatigue and nausea. It’s often confused with ‘flu in the early stages but can lead to jaundice, meningitis and organ failure. As rats are prevalent throughout the country, you must assume that they’re present in any external area, plus look out for signs of them in basements, attics, outbuildings etc.

There are different forms of the disease and it can be contracted from contact with urine from other small mammals, dogs, pigs and cattle. The disease can also be found in those exposed to meat from cattle and pigs.

When do you need a policy?

If you have five or more employees, then you are required to write down your policy for health and safety and your detailed arrangements. If some of your employees are potentially exposed to the Leptospira bacteria then your arrangements ought to cover this topic. Our Weil’s Disease Policy will help you to do this.

What’s covered?

The policy includes a general statement explaining the nature of the disease and the workers which you have identified as being at particular risk. The legal position is also described along with the detailed risk control measures. These cover the action taken by management, such as the provision of information and making sure washing facitlies are available, and employees’ duties, such as obtaining first aid treatment for cuts, following good hygiene practices and reporting ‘flu like symptoms to their doctor.