Common Ways Bacteria and Viruses Are Spread
The Problem
Bacteria and viruses can spread quickly and silently, placing both workplace and personal health at risk. Infections caused by these organisms may lead to illness, lost workdays, or even life-threatening complications. Understanding how these pathogens are transmitted allows us to identify risks and implement effective control measures. Today, we’ll explore the four most common transmission pathways: inhalation, absorption, ingestion, and injection — and how we can protect ourselves and our mates.
Identify the Hazards
Inhalation:
- Breathing in airborne droplets or aerosols from an infected person.
- Examples: Common cold, influenza, COVID-19, tuberculosis.
Absorption:
- Contact with infectious fluids via the skin or mucous membranes.
- Examples: Hepatitis B and C, HIV, and rabies.
Ingestion:
- Consuming food or drink contaminated with harmful microorganisms.
- Examples: E. coli, Salmonella, Hepatitis A.
Injection:
- Accidental exposure through penetration of the skin, such as needle-stick injuries.
- Examples: HIV, Hepatitis B and C.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Inhalation — Preventing Airborne Transmission
- Maintain physical distancing from people displaying symptoms.
- Use face masks in confined or high-risk environments.
- Ensure good ventilation in enclosed workspaces.
- Tools: Face coverings, HEPA filters, and open windows/vents.
Absorption — Protecting Skin and Mucous Membranes
- Wear gloves and safety eyewear when handling bodily fluids.
- Cover any cuts or grazes with waterproof dressings.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Tools: Gloves, goggles, face shields, bandages.
Ingestion — Avoiding Contaminated Food or Drink
- Wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food.
- Store and cook food safely.
- Avoid sharing food, bottles, or utensils.
- Tools: Soap, clean water, sanitisers, and safe food handling equipment.
Injection — Preventing Bloodborne Exposure
- Never reuse needles or syringes.
- Dispose of sharps safely in appropriate containers.
- Use tools to handle broken glass or other sharp items.
- Tools: Sharps containers, single-use sterile equipment.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
A healthcare worker suffered a needle-stick injury after improperly disposing of a used syringe. The incident required urgent medical treatment and screening for bloodborne infections. This could have been prevented by following proper sharps disposal procedures and using puncture-resistant containers.
Employee Responsibilities
- Maintain good hygiene and use PPE as required.
- Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
- Report all potential exposures or unsafe hygiene practices.
- Follow safety procedures for handling food, sharps, and bodily fluids.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide PPE such as gloves, masks, and hand sanitizers.
- Ensure sharps disposal units and hygiene stations are available.
- Train staff in infectious disease control and safe work procedures.
- Keep the workplace clean and hygienic.
Discussion & Questions
- Have you ever experienced a situation where one of these transmission routes posed a risk?
- What changes could we make to improve hygiene practices at our site?
(Encourage open discussion and feedback on improving hygiene and safety.)
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to good hygiene and safety practices every day, both on-site and at home. By doing so, we protect ourselves, our families, and our workmates.
Wrap-Up
Thank you for your attention. Preventing the spread of disease is a shared responsibility. With vigilance and teamwork, we can maintain a healthier, safer workplace.
Standards Overview
CCOHS requires employers to eliminate or minimize the risk of infection in the workplace under the Canada Labour Code and applicable provincial health and safety legislation. This includes providing appropriate PPE, hygienic facilities, and training on managing biological risks.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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