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Front line healthcare workers are at the greatest risk from infectious disease. During the SARS outbreak in Canada 51% of the 438 cases were healthcare workers. It was also healthcare workers that were most likely to be put under quarantine measures.
Other risks for infectious disease include potential influenza pandemic, hepatitis, TB, Fifth disease, c.dificile and antibiotic resistant infections. The protection of nurses from infectious disease is essential as they are the front line in the fight against these conditions.
Protective measures vary according to the nature of the different disease, but typically include; frequent hand washing, gloves, gowns, respiratory protection and isolation measures.
The BCNU has distributed an Infection Control Handbook published by FIIQ (the Quebec Nursing Union) to many of our OH&S representatives for reference on units. If you do not have one and would like a FIIQ Infection Control Handbook for your unit contact your
Regional OH&S Representatives.
Members that have concerns about prevention of infectious disease in their workplace should consult with their BCNU OH&S joint OH&S committee member. OH&S resources and assistance are available to joint committee members from the BCNU OH&S Department.
Further information on infectious disease prevention in healthcare is available through the following links:
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