Infection Protection Act: How to Ensure Health and Food Safety at Your Workplace
What is the Infection Protection Act?
The Infection Protection Act protects you and those around you from communicable diseases. It helps detect infections early and prevent their spread.
Importance for the Food Sector
If you work in the food industry, there are specific regulations you must follow. These regulations apply to everyone who manufactures, handles, processes, or sells unpackaged food. They also affect those who perform cleaning tasks in food areas or come into contact with tools, equipment, and materials used in food production.
Health in the Workplace
Symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, headaches, or purulent infections can indicate a reportable disease such as typhoid, cholera, or salmonellosis. Skin rashes, eczema, or purulent wounds are also exclusion criteria.
Mandatory Reporting of Illness
If you notice these symptoms, report immediately to your employer and see a doctor. If a disease is diagnosed, your doctor will inform the health department. You can only return to work when you are healthy and no longer excreting pathogens.
Hygiene Regulations
Hygiene is crucial. Make sure to wash and disinfect your hands regularly. Cuts or open wounds must be covered with special bandages provided by your employer.
Responsibility and Consequences
You are responsible for the health of consumers and your colleagues. Violations of the Infection Protection Act, such as working while sick, can have serious consequences, including hefty fines or business closures.
Clear Action Guidelines for Infection Protection
- Work only when you are healthy.
- Report symptoms of illness immediately to your employer and a doctor.
- Adhere to quarantine regulations if necessary.
- Wash and disinfect your hands regularly and cover any injuries.
- Hygiene is a team effort—be mindful of those around you.
Additional Information
For questions, refer to your employer’s hygiene notices or visit the Robert Koch Institute’s website.
