Workplace Guides

Anthrax is an infection caused by bacteria which form protective spores to survive in extreme conditions, enabling it to survive for long periods of time. When we come into contact with these spores an infection may result, but not always.

Asbestos-related diseases are currently responsible for over 3,000 deaths per year in Britain. There are usually long delays between first exposure to asbestos and the onset of disease, which can vary between 15 and 60 years.

The risk of developing occupational asthma can be higher in certain industries/workplaces where particular asthmagens are known to exist, these include, food production, printing, milling, woodworking and painting industries. In most office environments the risk of occupational asthma is low.

The risk that biological and chemical agents will be used deliberately to cause harm has historically been very low outside wars. However, in a time of international conflict and terrorist activity, it is easy to become paranoid about biological and chemical agents being used in the UK.

Bird Flu is contagious diseases of animals caused by viruses that normally only infect birds and, less commonly, pigs. Avian influenza viruses are very specific to bird species but have, on rare occasions, crossed the species barrier to infect humans.

BREEAM In-Use is a scheme used to assess environmental impacts and sustainability issues relating to existing buildings.  It is designed to reduce the running costs of buildings and improve their environmental and sustainability credentials by identifying areas for improvement.