Infection Prevention Among Healthcare Workers: Strategies for Safer Hospital Environments

Abstract

Infection prevention among healthcare workers (HCWs) is a cornerstone of patient and occupational safety within hospitals. Healthcare environments are inherently high-risk zones where exposure to infectious agents can occur through contact, airborne transmission, or contaminated surfaces. Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) programs are vital to protect HCWs and patients from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), reduce occupational hazards, and maintain a safe workplace culture. This paper explores key strategies that enhance infection prevention practices among HCWs, including adherence to standard precautions, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene compliance, vaccination programs, environmental cleaning, education and training, and policy implementation. A comparison between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines is also provided to highlight evidence-based best practices.