Preventing the spread of communicable diseases at work

Communicable and transmissible diseases are spread through the population between individuals. The workplace is an environment where infection can also occur.

Reducing the spread of transmissible diseases at work

While transmissible diseases including COVID-19 continue to be found in the population, control measures can be used to reduce their spread in the workplace.

Transmissable diseases in New Zealand

Find out about the most common and significant transmissible diseases in New Zealand, and the challenges they pose to the workplace.

Common risk factors for communicable diseases

Find out about common risk factors in the spread of communicable diseases in the workplace.

Proactively managing the spread of transmissable disease in the workplace

Communicable and transmissible diseases are a significant occupational and public health issue across the world. The control and spread of such diseases is a constant challenge, as these infectious diseases can be spread through proximity or frequency of exposure.

While medical professionals may be able to manage and control outbreaks of diseases, they can place a significant burden on employers and employees.  As well as taking advice from our public health professionals, those in health and safety can apply additional principles to reduce the risk of spread of illness within workplaces.

The COVID-19 outbreak showed how quickly we had to change in our way of working to ensure business continuity. A best practice approach was developed, to make sure  workers could be as protected as possible.

Feedback

To find out more about the Wellbeing at Work initiative, or to give us your feedback on the early material, contact Professor Joanne Crawford.

Joanne profile picture

Prof Joanne Crawford

Professor of Health and Safety
School of Health

References