Product Overview

Summary: This Infection Control Measures Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for preventing and managing the spread of infectious diseases in Australian workplaces. It translates current WHS, public health and infection prevention requirements into step-by-step actions staff can follow every day, helping you protect workers, clients and your business continuity.

Infectious diseases can spread rapidly through workplaces, disrupting operations, endangering vulnerable clients and exposing businesses to significant WHS and legal risk. This Infection Control Measures Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, evidence-based approach to minimising infection risks across a wide range of settings, including healthcare, aged care, community services, education, offices and customer-facing environments. It turns complex public health and WHS obligations into practical daily controls that workers can understand and consistently apply.

The SOP covers the full infection control cycle: from risk assessment and standard precautions, through cleaning and disinfection, respiratory and hand hygiene, to isolation, outbreak response and incident reporting. It also addresses the realities of the modern Australian workplace, including managing suspected or confirmed cases of communicable diseases, fit-for-work decisions, and communication with staff, contractors and visitors. By implementing this procedure, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, support regulatory compliance and build confidence among workers, clients and families that infection risks are being actively managed.

Designed for easy integration into existing WHS management systems, this SOP provides clear responsibilities, training and monitoring requirements, and practical tools such as cleaning schedules, screening protocols and escalation pathways. It helps standardise practice across sites and shifts, reducing reliance on informal habits and ensuring that infection control is embedded into day-to-day operations rather than only activated during an outbreak.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of workplace transmission of infectious diseases among workers, clients and visitors.
• Ensure alignment with Australian WHS duties and public health guidance for infection prevention and control.
• Standardise cleaning, disinfection, screening and hygiene practices across all sites and shifts.
• Strengthen organisational preparedness and response to outbreaks, pandemics and seasonal illness peaks.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and accreditation bodies through documented, repeatable processes.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Infection Control Coordinators
• Practice Managers
• Aged Care Facility Managers
• Nurse Unit Managers
• Clinic and Medical Centre Managers
• Dental Practice Owners
• Disability Support Service Managers
• Early Childhood Centre Directors
• Cleaning and Environmental Services Supervisors
• Human Resources Managers
• Return-to-Work and Injury Management Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to airborne infectious agents (e.g. influenza, COVID-19, tuberculosis).
• Exposure to droplet and contact-transmitted pathogens (e.g. RSV, gastroenteritis, MRSA).
• Contamination from blood and body fluids.
• Cross-contamination via shared equipment, surfaces and high-touch points.
• Inadequate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
• Improper use, selection or disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Improper cleaning, disinfection and waste handling procedures.
• Occupational exposure incidents such as needlestick and sharps injuries.
• Psychosocial stress and anxiety related to infection risks in the workplace.

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Infection Risk Assessment and Hierarchy of Controls
• 5.0 Standard Precautions (Hand Hygiene, Respiratory Hygiene, PPE)
• 6.0 Transmission-Based Precautions (Contact, Droplet, Airborne)
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment: Selection, Use and Disposal
• 8.0 Cleaning, Disinfection and Environmental Hygiene Requirements
• 9.0 Management of Linen, Waste and Sharps
• 10.0 Staff Health, Vaccination and Fitness for Work
• 11.0 Screening, Visitor Management and Access Control
• 12.0 Management of Suspected or Confirmed Infectious Cases
• 13.0 Outbreak and Pandemic Response Procedures
• 14.0 Incident Reporting, Exposure Management and Follow-Up
• 15.0 Training, Competency and Supervision Requirements
• 16.0 Consultation, Communication and Worker Engagement
• 17.0 Monitoring, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 18.0 Document Control and Recordkeeping

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in relevant Australian jurisdictions).
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice.
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice.
• Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (NHMRC).
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices.
• AS/NZS 3816: Management of clinical and related wastes.
• State and Territory Public Health Acts and associated infection control directives.
• Aged Care Quality Standards (where applicable).
• National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards – Standard 3: Preventing and Controlling Infections (where applicable).