Preventing infectious diseases
Infection control in the workplace aims to prevent pathogens from coming into contact with a person in the first place.
The basis of good infection control in the workplace is to assume that everyone is potentially infectious. Proper procedures have to be followed at all times.
Good personal hygiene is the first line of defence. Infection control procedures relating to good personal hygiene include:
- hand washing
- covering cuts or abrasions with a waterproof dressing
- gloves
Many infections are food-borne. When preparing food, it is important to:
- wash hands before and after handling food
- keep hot food hot and cold food cold
- use separate storage, utensils and preparation surfaces for cooked and uncooked foods
- wash all utensils and preparation surfaces thoroughly with hot water and detergent after use
Frequently, workplace illnesses are spread by droplet infection. Colds and flu are transmitted in this way, and sharing telephones is an infection risk. If at all possible, users should have personal headsets, and telephones should be regularly cleaned and sterilised.
In the case of an epidemic or pandemic, respirators or surgical masks may be necessary. There are four main types. See the Australian Standards (1715 and 1716).