Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) Practice Test

Which group of workers is particularly at risk for developing Legionnaire's Disease?

1. Construction workers

2. Healthcare workers

3. Cooling tower maintenance workers

4. Pesticide applicators

The correct answer is: Cooling tower maintenance workers

Legionnaire's Disease is caused by the bacterium Legionella, which thrives in warm water environments such as those found in cooling towers. Cooling tower maintenance workers are particularly at risk due to their direct exposure to these systems where the bacteria can proliferate under suitable conditions. These workers frequently handle the components of cooling towers, where stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if the water temperatures are not adequately controlled. Other groups, while they may encounter some risks, do not have the same level of exposure or specific conditions that favor the development of Legionella. Construction workers, for instance, may have sporadic exposure to water systems but are not consistently working with systems known to support the growth of Legionella. Healthcare workers may encounter patients with Legionnaire’s Disease but typically do not work in environments where they are exposed to the bacteria in the same way that maintenance workers do. Pesticide applicators also may deal with water bodies but lack a direct connection to the environments where Legionella flourishes, making cooling tower maintenance workers the group most at risk for developing the disease.