Top Infection Control Protocols Every Healthcare Worker Must Follow

Top Infection Control Protocols are essential in every healthcare setting, not only to protect patients but to safeguard healthcare workers themselves.

Infection prevention is not just about individual hygiene—it’s a system-wide responsibility involving PPE, sterilization, waste management, and administrative controls.

With healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) still affecting 1 in 31 hospital patients on any given day, strict adherence to protocols is not optional—it’s lifesaving.

Why Infection Control Protocols Matter

Healthcare environments are hotspots for infection transmission due to high patient turnover, invasive procedures, and close-contact care. These factors increase exposure to pathogens such as MRSA, C. difficile, Hepatitis B/C, and COVID-19.

Workers without adequate infection control procedures face higher risks of illness, long-term health consequences, or even legal liabilities if outbreaks occur due to negligence.

1. Hand Hygiene: The First Line of Defense

Hand hygiene remains the most effective and simplest infection control measure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthcare workers should follow the “Five Moments for Hand Hygiene”:

• Before touching a patient
• Before clean/aseptic procedures
• After body fluid exposure
• After touching a patient
• After touching patient surroundings

Use alcohol-based hand rubs when hands are not visibly soiled and wash with soap and water when they are.

2. Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Top infection control protocols mandate appropriate use of PPE based on the level of exposure risk. Healthcare workers should:

• Don gloves, masks, face shields, and gowns as required.
• Dispose of single-use PPE immediately after patient care.
• Avoid touching the face or mask while wearing PPE.
• Receive training on donning and doffing techniques to prevent self-contamination.

Refer to Canada.ca PPE guidelines for updates on usage in different settings.

3. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection

High-touch surfaces like bed rails, IV stands, monitors, and doorknobs can become reservoirs of pathogens. Cleaning protocols should ensure:

• Daily cleaning of patient areas with hospital-grade disinfectants.
• Use of EPA-registered disinfectants effective against targeted pathogens.
• Cleaning schedules are documented, followed, and audited regularly.

Cleaning staff must be trained and supplied with proper PPE and tools.

4. Safe Injection Practices

Unsafe injection practices can cause outbreaks of bloodborne diseases.

To maintain sterility:

• Always use a new needle and syringe for every injection.
• Do not reuse medication vials unless specified as multi-dose.
• Dispose of sharps immediately in puncture-resistant containers.
• Use safety-engineered devices where available to prevent needlestick injuries.

Internal training modules should link to sharps disposal procedures for your facility.

5. Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette

Airborne and droplet transmission can be controlled by:

• Encouraging mask use among coughing patients.
• Placing cough etiquette posters in public and patient waiting areas.
• Ensuring availability of tissues, masks, and hand sanitizers at entrances.
• Maintaining proper ventilation and HEPA filtration in high-risk zones.

Especially in areas dealing with TB or COVID-19 patients, these measures are non-negotiable.

6. Sterilization and Reprocessing of Instruments

Surgical and diagnostic tools must be properly sterilized before reuse. Key steps include:

• Cleaning with enzymatic detergents.
• Sterilizing via autoclaving or chemical disinfection based on instrument type.
• Documenting the sterilization cycle and keeping logs.
• Regular validation and maintenance of sterilization equipment.

For deeper insights, refer to CDC Sterilization Guidelines.

7. Waste Segregation and Disposal

Biohazardous waste can cause widespread contamination if not handled correctly. Ensure:

• Red bags for infectious waste, yellow for pathological, and black for general waste.
• Sharps in dedicated, puncture-resistant containers.
• No overfilling of containers; regular pickups scheduled.
• Compliance with local and national biomedical waste disposal regulations.

OHSE supervisors should monitor compliance during routine audits.

8. Isolation Precautions Based on Transmission Type

Healthcare facilities must apply Standard, Contact, Droplet, or Airborne precautions depending on the patient’s condition. Isolation rooms, negative pressure systems, and specialized PPE are required in high-risk cases like tuberculosis or measles.

Create visual signage and training resources to ensure proper isolation procedures are consistently followed.

9. Immunization of Healthcare Workers

Vaccination is a core component of infection control.

Recommended immunizations include:

• Hepatitis B
• Influenza (seasonal)
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Varicella
• COVID-19
• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)

Employers must maintain immunization records and offer vaccines as part of occupational health programs.

10. Incident Reporting and Continuous Training

Every facility must have a protocol for reporting exposure incidents, including:

• Immediate washing and disinfection of exposed areas.
• Seeking medical evaluation and post-exposure prophylaxis if necessary.
• Documenting the event for OHSE review.
• Ongoing training in infection prevention, updated annually.

Reporting fosters a safety culture and helps refine protocols based on real-world data.

Infection Control Is Everyone’s Responsibility

From hand hygiene to proper waste disposal, Top Infection Control Protocols empower healthcare workers to break the chain of transmission.

Every action taken—no matter how routine—has the potential to protect or harm. Through continued training, compliance, and workplace culture, healthcare teams can ensure both patient and worker safety.