Hazards and Risks with Handling Soil

There can be many hazards present within a soil, especially when preparing soil for seeding, turfing or the planting of flowers, shrubs or trees. Sharp materials, rusty nails, broken glass, metal objects, and other undesirable objects can all cause cuts and harm if these are present and if an individual comes into contact with them.

Contracting a disease can readily occur from handling contaminated soil or water and where the soil or water comes into contact with skin, especially where there is a cut through the skin. Common diseases which can arise from handling contaminated soil / water include tetanus, sepsis, legionnaires disease (especially from waterlogged areas, or through the use of water which has been stored for some time from within water butts or watering cans during hot weather), or Weil's disease from rat urine within soil or water.

Cat, dog, fox or other animal faeces or urine if present can lead to an infection and disease, especially if any contaminants are ingested by not washing hands properly before eating or drinking. Diseases can include salmonella, toxocariasis, toxoplasmosis, tapeworms, although these are not commonly contracted by individuals.

Practising good hygiene and wearing protective gloves and footwear will significantly reduce the risk of any harm or illness occurring whilst handling and working with soil.