Protection of Staff & Volunteers
Protection of Staff & Volunteers
It is vital that staff and volunteers have the knowledge and equipment they need to perform their jobs effectively while protecting themselves from zoonotic disease.
- Provide training and continuing education for staff on the risks of zoonotic disease.
- Provide appropriate clothing and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent transmission of disease.
- Train all staff to wash hands frequently, such as after handling animals, before eating and at the end of each shift.
- Post guidelines detailing what to do in case of a bite or suspected zoonotic disease exposure, including phone numbers for medical emergencies, public health, and veterinary contacts.
For Centre personnel, it may not be possible to directly decrease their own susceptibility to infection, but it is important to be aware of those individuals who may have increased susceptibility. These include persons who are immune-suppressed due to disease or medical treatment, or who are being treated with antimicrobial drugs, have open wounds or who are pregnant. Good communication between Centre personnel, their primary health care practitioners and Ontario SPCA administration is important to reduce the risk of zoonotic infection.
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