hand-washinghand-washing

Infection prevention and control is essential across sectors such as healthcare, social care, education, food handling, manufacturing and customer‑facing businesses. It becomes especially important during the winter months, when illnesses such as colds, flu and COVID‑19 tend to rise.

Effective infection control measures protect vulnerable individuals, reduce sickness absence and support business continuity - helping organisations maintain safe, productive workplaces.

What is infection prevention and control

Infection prevention and control (IPC) refers to a set of practical measures designed to limit the transmission of bacteria and viruses in shared environments. These measures should be embedded into day‑to‑day operations and consistently followed by employees, contractors and visitors.

Maintaining high standards of cleanliness is especially crucial in regulated industries, as it demonstrates good practice to auditors, inspectors and customers.

Simple measures to prevent infections at work

Wash hands, stay safe

Effective hand hygiene is one of the most reliable ways to reduce infection risk. Employers should ensure handwashing facilities are readily available and stocked with:

Hands should be washed regularly, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after touching shared surfaces. Where soap and water are unavailable, alcohol‑based hand sanitiser can be used as an alternative.

Protect your team with PPE

PPE is essential for infection control, as it forms a barrier that protects the skin, eyes, nose and mouth from infectious materials. Common types of PPE include:

  • Masks - Protect the nose and mouth from airborne particles.
  • Gloves – Protect hands from contact with infectious materials.
  • Aprons – Shield clothing and skin from contamination.
  • Eye or face protection – Prevent exposure to droplets or splashes.
  • Overshoes – Protect against surface contamination.
  • Headwear – Reduce the risk of hair carrying pathogens.

To maximise PPE effectiveness, you should follow these precautions:

  • Wash hands before putting on and after removing PPE.
  • Replace PPE if it becomes damaged or contaminated.
  • Store PPE in a clean, dry and covered container or dispenser.
  • Dispose of PPE in a waste bin after use.

Keep workspaces clean and safe

Keeping shared workspaces clean helps reduce the risk of infection. High‑traffic areas such as door handles, tabletops, phones and IT equipment should be cleaned regularly - ideally multiple times per day or between shifts.

Using effective cleaning products, such as disinfectant surface wipes, is essential to maintain a safe and hygienic workspace.

Infection Control: A workplace priority

Managing infection control shouldn’t be just a consideration - it should be a priority. Prioritising infection control protects the health of both employees and customers while supporting business continuity and operational efficiency - making it an essential practice for every workplace. By implementing simple but effective measures, organisations can significantly reduce the spread of infections, protect employees and customers and maintain safe, compliant working environments.

Polyco Healthline – Your trusted infection control partner

Polyco Healthline provides a wide range of high-quality infection control products, including disposable gloves, surface and disinfectant wipes, PPE and hygiene essentials, all designed to protect against cross-contamination and the spread of viruses.