Reducing exposure to communicable disease involves an approach that considers the hierarchy of controls for infection prevention to eliminate or minimize exposure in the workplace.
The first step to reducing exposure is to identify and assess tasks that may result in exposure to communicable disease. Be sure to involve staff and your JOHS Committee or OHS representative in this process. Then, using the hierarchy of controls, implement control strategies starting from the most effective control measures. Applying multiple control strategies is the most effective.
Below, we outline general steps for reducing exposure in a home or community care setting. These steps align with the hierarchy of controls for infection prevention that will safeguard the well-being of both staff and clients.