The European Agency for Health and Safety has published its expert report on Emerging biological risks related to occupational health and safety (2007). The report focuses on emerging biological risks such as those resulting from global epidemics (avian influenza), drug-resistant organisms (both especially problematic for health care workers). It further identifies a number of industries that are face increased exposure such as waste management. The report notes that the regulations in place "fail to address occupational safety and health issues sufficiently". Moulds, endotoxins and volatile organic compounds can lead to upper airway inflammation, pulmonary diseases, organic dust toxic syndrome, gastrointestinal problems, allergic reactions, skin diseases and irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes. "Handling medical waste and sharps may lead to other infections, including hepatitis AIDS. Airborne moulds, endotoxins (organic dust) are also problematic for workers in sewage treatment. The effects of endotoxins range from fever, infectious diseases, acute toxic effects, allergies to asthma-like syndromes, to septic shock, organic failure and even death.
The report notes that despite the obligation (to employers !) to assess biological risks (European Directive 2000/54 - Protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work) this is underdeveloped. "(...) the lack of information passed on to workers (for example the inadequate provision of Occupational Safety and Health training - to workers was also raised (in the report)
The summary: http://osha.europa.eu/publications/reports/6805478
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