Video Transcript
During the first aid situation it is important to try and reduce the risk of infection between yourselves the casualty and any bystanders this can be done by the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves or resuscitation masks. Other equipment that may also be available to you are aprons and goggles.
During the first-aid situation it is important that if you come into any contact with bodily fluids the affected area is washed immediately. After first aid is completed it is important to dispose of any items used immediately and correctly.
Effective Infection Control in the Workplace: A First Aid Trainer’s Guide
Infection control is vital to safeguarding employee health and maintaining productivity. As workplaces gather diverse individuals, proactive measures minimize the spread of germs, viruses, and bacteria. Here’s how to implement effective strategies:
- Prioritize Hand Hygiene
- Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces.
- Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers (60%+ alcohol) in high-traffic areas for when sinks aren’t accessible.
- Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
- Clean desks, doorknobs, keyboards, and phones daily with EPA-approved disinfectants.
- Assign responsibility for shared equipment (e.g., printers, tools) to ensure consistent cleaning.
- Use PPE Appropriately
- Supply gloves, masks, and eye protection for tasks involving bodily fluids or close contact.
- Train staff on proper PPE use (e.g., donning/doffing gloves) and disposal to avoid contamination.
- Promote Respiratory Etiquette
- Cover coughs/sneezes with a tissue or elbow, followed by immediate hand hygiene.
- Place trash bins with lids for used tissues and PPE.
- Implement Sick Leave Policies
- Encourage employees to stay home if symptomatic (fever, cough, etc.).
- Offer flexible sick leave to reduce “presenteeism,” which risks outbreaks.
- Vaccination Advocacy
- Promote flu shots and other relevant vaccines through onsite clinics or informational campaigns.
- Educate and Train
- Conduct regular workshops on infection control protocols and first aid responses.
- Display signage reinforcing handwashing and symptom reporting.
- Ventilation and Space Management
- Enhance airflow where possible and rearrange workspaces to allow physical distancing in high-risk settings.
Why It Matters
Effective infection control reduces absenteeism, healthcare costs, and workplace disruptions. By fostering a culture of prevention, employers empower teams to protect themselves and others.
Regularly review and adapt protocols based on evolving guidelines (e.g., CDC, WHO). Small, consistent actions—like sanitizing a desk or staying home when unwell—create collective resilience against infections.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and prioritize health as a shared workplace responsibility.
