Your workplace may require you to complete a risk assessment prior to conducting field work. There are a range of risks to which field workers could be exposed. Below are some examples of concerns for which risk assessments may apply to your situation.
Mosquito transmitted infections
There is a very small, but real risk of contracting malaria, dengue or other arboviruses from exposure to mosquito bites when conducting field work.
When working in the field one must:
· Within the scope of the work plan, take reasonable steps to minimise exposure to mosquito bites
· If working in a malarious area, provide access to malaria prophylaxis, rapid diagnostics and first-line malaria treatment.
What to do if a collector begins to feel sick:
· In case of illness, the participant should tell the supervisor who will contact the nearest health facility for diagnosis and appropriate health care.
There is a high risk of dog attack when entering a household’s yard. Always talk with the occupant of the household and receive permission before entering the property. Ensure the dog is properly restrained before you enter the property. Ensure you can easily exit the property at all times. Ensure other staff members are aware that there is a dog at the house if they need to visit there.
Chloroform is an anaesthetic and a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant and is suspected of causing cancer. Chloroform forms vapours and prolonged exposure of several minutes may cause dizziness and nausea. Continued exposure will produce persistent fatigue and headache. A face mask must be worn when handling Chloroform which should only occur in a well-ventilated room. This chemical should not be inhaled and should never be handled by pregnant staff members. Lastly, ensure that there are no open flames in a room where Chloroform is stored or used.
Traps could be a trip hazard for staff and/or occupants. Ensure that the trap is not in a high-traffic location and communicate this potential hazard to occupants before leaving the household.
Ensure that the battery is in proper working condition to avoid any irritations or burns from damaged units. Also ensure the connections are properly secured and power cords in good working condition to avoid any electrical shocks.