Authors: D.O. Matuka , T. Singh
Source: Occupational Health Southern Africa Volume 23, Issue 1
Summary:
Infectious diseases are a major concern in the workplace, be they associated with work processes or community-acquired infections spread in the workplace; and their prevention and management require the implementation of robust prevention and control strategies. The transmission of infectious agents is a weak link in the chain of infection and one where intervention may have the greatest chance of breaking the cycle of infection. Consideration of the mode of transmission is a critical factor in prevention programmes. Adequate control measures for elimination or containment of the infectious source, followed by early detection of disease and promotion of best practices, complemented by appropriate training, are fundamental to managing hazardous biological exposures in the workplace.