Legionella Risk Assessments: The Legal Compliance and Economics of Legionella Risk Management

Legionella risk assessments are a critical component of legal compliance in facility management. Many jurisdictions mandate these risk assessments, particularly for buildings with complex water systems or those housing vulnerable populations like healthcare facilities including nursing homes and hospitals. Failing to conduct these assessments can result in substantial fines and legal penalties. More importantly, if a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak occurs due to negligence, the responsible parties could face private lawsuits and severe legal consequences.

Independent, third-party Legionella risk assessments ensure adherence to these legal requirements and demonstrate an organization’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment. This aspect of risk management is vital in protecting facilities, their owners, and their managers from potential legal liabilities by demonstrating their proactive steps for health and safety.

The economic implications of an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease are significant as you can see in the Legionella outbreak cost calculator. Costs associated with legal action, fines, treating the disease, and disinfecting water systems can be substantial. In severe cases, there might be additional financial burdens due to business interruptions or the need for temporary relocation of occupants. Regular assessments can mitigate these costs by enabling early detection and prevention of Legionella and other pathogen growth, making Legionella risk assessments a cost-effective strategy that pays for itself.

Learn more about Legionella risk assessment, Legionella testing, Legionella remediation, and everything else you need to control Legionella.  Contact a Legionella Control Systems expert now.