ABSTRACT
Healthcare-associated infections pose significant risks for patients and healthcare workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 2 million individuals acquire an infection each year while being treated in hospitals for other illnesses or injuries. Healthcare workers should be trained, retrained, and mandated to follow current CDC guidelines. The safety program must work closely with the infection control staff on issues of joint concern such as compliance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). Safe practices and proper infection control measures involve nearly every area of healthcare operations. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) recently issued a Sentinel Event Alert about risks associated with healthcare-acquired infections. Healthcare workers must strive to minimize exposure risks to blood, sputum, aerosols, and other body fluids by following proper work practices. The use of appropriate personal protective equipment and relevant education and training provide a foundation for any effective infection control program. Most healthcare organizations have some type of written infection control program. It is recommended that facilities publish procedures for each patient care department, including the pharmacy. At many acute-care facilities, the infection control committee participates in employee safety and health program activities.
