OCC/Physical Health/TBT-OCC-018

Tetanus Awareness

Occupational Health › Physical Health › Tetanus Awareness

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Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani entering the body through wounds.
The bacteria are found in soil, dust, and manure — construction workers are at high risk of exposure.
Tetanus causes severe muscle spasms, lockjaw, breathing difficulty, and can be fatal without treatment.
Puncture wounds from nails, wire, rusty metal, and contaminated tools are common entry points on site.
The NHS recommends a tetanus booster every 10 years, with immediate boosters after high-risk wounds.
Construction workers should check their vaccination status and ensure boosters are up to date.
Even small cuts and grazes contaminated with soil can lead to tetanus infection if untreated.
First aid for wounds includes thorough cleaning, antiseptic treatment, and seeking medical advice.
Tetanus cannot spread person to person — it enters only through contaminated wounds.
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require first aid provision for wound treatment on site.

Prevent fatal infection	Tetanus is a life-threatening disease that kills by causing uncontrollable muscle spasms and respiratory failure.
High exposure risk	Construction workers handle soil, rusty metal, and sharp objects daily — the risk of wound contamination is constant.
Simple prevention	Vaccination and proper wound care almost completely prevent tetanus — awareness saves lives.

Don't

Check your tetanus vaccination status and ensure boosters are current every 10 years
Clean all cuts, puncture wounds, and grazes thoroughly with clean water immediately
Apply antiseptic and a sterile dressing to all wounds, even small ones, as soon as possible
Seek medical advice for deep puncture wounds, soil-contaminated wounds, or animal bites
Inform the first aider if you cannot remember when you last had a tetanus booster
Wear gloves when handling rusty metal, old timber with nails, or soil-contaminated materials
Report all wounds to the site first aider for proper assessment and treatment recording
Keep first aid kits stocked with antiseptic wipes, sterile dressings, and wound wash
Encourage all workers to confirm their vaccination status at their GP surgery
Cover existing cuts and wounds with waterproof dressings before starting work on site

DON'T ignore puncture wounds from nails or rusty metal — seek medical advice promptly
DON'T assume you are vaccinated without checking your records with your GP
DON'T leave dirty wounds uncleaned — wash immediately with clean running water
DON'T handle rusty metal, old nails, or contaminated soil without protective gloves
DON'T wait for symptoms to appear before seeking treatment for a contaminated wound
DON'T dismiss minor cuts on site — any wound contaminated with soil carries tetanus risk
DON'T rely on site first aid alone for deep or dirty wounds — attend a medical facility
DON'T leave protruding nails in timber on site where they can puncture hands or feet
DON'T skip booster vaccinations because you feel healthy — tetanus has no early symptoms
DON'T touch wounds with dirty hands — clean your hands before applying any first aid

See also: Occupational Health Awareness | First Aid Response and Triage

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