Introduction

Abstract

The introduction chapter describes how the Practical Guide serves as a resource to be used by those with the greatest responsibility of all – those who protect one of our most valuable assets – healthcare personnel. Especially now, given that we have experienced the first global pandemic that many have ever or will ever see. SARS-CoV-2 virus and subsequent COVID-19 disease have wreaked havoc on healthcare institutions and public health agencies because of lack of preparedness and focus on occupational infection prevention policies, practices, and controls. The absence of strong programs in place to protect healthcare providers from exposure resulted in desperate scrambling to provide care to those sick and suffering.

This must be prevented for future outbreaks at all costs. As such, this Practical Guide is written for professionals with job functions or tasks in occupational or employee health and safety, infection prevention and control, biological safety, infectious disease, risk management, and/or environmental health and safety in healthcare settings. The guide is meant to serve those with varying levels of experience in occupational health and/or occupational infection prevention. The introduction provides high-level information on how the guide serves as both background and fundamental information to help readers gain confidence as they ramp up in their roles. It highlights the tools, resources, and ideas that are new and ready to roll out or pass along.