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Infection prevention and control in the workplace 

Find out more about the importance of infection prevention and control in creating a healthy and safe workplace.

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What employers can do

As an employer, there are many things you can do to create a safe and healthy work environment.

Encourage hand washing

Provide soap, water and hand sanitiser. Put up signs to remind people to wash hands after using the toilet, coughing or before eating.

You can download this poster to display in your workplace.

This video from the World Health Organisation shows how to handwash with soap and water.

Teach and remind staff

Put up signs about hygiene, train staff on infection control, and keep your rules up to date.

The Public Health Wales Beat Winter Viruses campaign has resources you can use in your workplace.

Keep the workplace clean

Make a cleaning schedule and ensure shared spaces like kitchens and bathrooms stay tidy.

Provide bins for waste disposal.

Improve airflow

Open windows or use ventilation systems to improve airflow and keep fresh air moving. This will lower the risk of infections spreading.

Visit the HSE website to find out more about ventilation.

Check for risks

Carry out a workplace risk assessment to spot things that could spread infections. Write down your findings and share them with staff.

Visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website for more information about managing risks and risk assessment at work.

Set rules for sick leave

Make sure staff know how long they should stay home when they’re sick. For example, anyone with vomiting or diarrhoea should stay home for 48 hours after their last episode.

Visit the Public Health Wales website for an A-Z of pathogens.

Support sick workers

Ask employees with coughs, sneezes or stomach bugs to stay home until they feel better.

Allow working from home if possible.

Keep track of illness

Write down when and how workers get sick in case health officials need to know.

Visit the Information Commissioner’s Office for information about data privacy rules to follow.

Protect vulnerable employees

Some workers, like older people or those with health conditions, may need extra protection.

Pregnant workers should also have a special risk assessment.

Visit the HSE website for more information about protecting pregnant workers and new mothers.

Offer protective equipment

Let staff wear face masks if they want to. In healthcare settings, provide the correct personal protective gear.

Encourage vaccination

Support staff getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Offer flexible time off for vaccinations.

Some jobs may need extra vaccines, like for TB or measles.

Page last reviewed: 20th March 2025

A person standing at a sink to wash their hands with soap and water.