Preventing and Controlling the Spread of Infections at Work

It’s that time of year again — cold and flu season.

At any time of year, but especially during the fall and winter months, the risk of exposure to viral respiratory illnesses, such as COVID‑19 and the flu, may increase in the workplace. Under the OHSA, employers and supervisors must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect the health and safety of workers; this includes the spread of infectious diseases.

Why employers should care about the spread of infection

Sick workers affect more than just the health of the worker; they affect the workplace as a whole. When a worker comes to work sick, especially in an environment where infections spread easily and proper cleaning protocols are not consistently followed, the infection can spread quickly amongst co-workers. This may lead to more absences, reduced productivity, and potential service disruptions.

There is also concern for employees who are immuno-compromised or caregivers for someone who is. Some examples include:

• Asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions
• Newborns
• High-risk pregnancy
• The elderly
• Someone undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy
• Organ transplant recipients or those awaiting a transplant
• Other chronic illnesses
• And more

These individuals are more susceptible to infection and the consequences of becoming ill can be far more severe. While those working in health and community care have an increased risk of exposure to infections due to the nature of their work, workers across all sectors are still at risk, especially those who work directly with others like first responders, educators, food service workers, retail workers, etc. Preventing and controlling infections is key in all workplaces regardless of sector.

Tips to help stop the spread

Keeping safe and healthy work environments benefits everyone, including workers, leaders, and the public. Infection prevention and control offers protection through several measures such as:

• Hand hygiene – Provide soap, warm water, hand sanitizer, and post hand washing diagrams in bathrooms.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) – Use masks, respirators, gloves, and gowns as needed.
• Cleaning and disinfecting – Use approved products for what is being cleaned, ensure use of proper WHMIS labels, follow cleaning protocols, etc.
• Sick etiquette – Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, wash your hands, mask up, stay home when sick, etc.
• Staff and visitor education – Display signage about masking and hand hygiene requirements.
• Vaccinate – Encourage workers to receive their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.
• Consult with local public health– Seek guidance during outbreaks and when developing infection control policies.
• Internal audits – Monitor cleaning practices, hand hygiene compliance, PPE supplies, and staff awareness regularly.

Have staff complete our Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) training to equip workers with knowledge of how infections spread and what action can be taken to protect themselves and others from infectious hazards in the workplace.

Cold and flu season

Did you know that microwave door handles and sinks are among the dirtiest surfaces touched by office workers on a daily basis? Employers should ensure that supplies to break the chain of germ transmission are readily available at all times like masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, soap, paper towels, and tissue. Post cold and flu posters  in high-traffic areas such as lunchrooms and have open discussions with staff about the importance of stopping the spread of infections, urging workers to get their flu vaccines.

Regular hand hygiene and surface cleaning/disinfection have consistently been shown to reduce transmission of pathogens in workplaces.

COVID-19 is still relevant

While 2020 may seem like a lifetime away, COVID-19 remains a reality. It has not disappeared; it has simply become endemic/normalized. Many workplaces, like health and community care, continue to see COVID-19 cases and outbreaks. Severe illness still occurs, especially among vulnerable populations. COVID-19 prevention posters remain useful, particularly in high-traffic areas of workplaces or during outbreaks.

So, when you’re sick, the notion still stands: Wash your hands, mask up, and keep your distance (especially from immunocompromised individuals) and stay home!