Recent international and local headlines remind us of the need to implement effective workplace measures to address potentially deadly biological hazards and infectious diseases.
 
A measles outbreak took hold here in Ontario and across the country in 2024. While Public Health officials declared this outbreak over in October 2025, they continue to issue public warnings related to potential exposures from travel-related cases as many other countries continue to grapple with outbreaks. These same health officials are also keeping an eye on recent outbreaks beyond our borders including the Andes hantavirus they now consider contained and the ongoing Ebola crisis in Africa. 

These occurrences signal the urgent need to review, and where necessary, revise workplace programs to prevent possibly deadly exposures, potential spread of infectious disease, and even disruptions of workplace operations. What are the most effective prevention strategies for your workplace? What do public health officials recommend? Training can help answer these questions. 

 
REGISTER TODAY for a one-day virtual training session exploring biological hazards and infectious diseases. Pick a date that works best for you—August 20 or September 10.

WHSC training…promoting evidence-based prevention   

But not any training will do. Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) has revised our most relevant training programs—Biological Hazards and Infectious Diseases. Each provides current evidence-based knowledge and skills to get workplace parties up to speed and help guide workplace prevention efforts. 
 
So, for instance, the major source of transmission for measles and the Andes hantavirus is the breathing of contaminated air. While isolation of a person with a confirmed or potential case is an important control measure, so too is respiratory protection, such as fit-tested N95 respirators used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though, in the case of the Andes hantavirus, steps to prevent mice and rat infestations and the safe handling of droppings, the main source of the virus, must also be a critical part of any workplace prevention program. 
 
For Ebola, like the HIV/AIDS virus, it spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person. It makes sense then to consult with our experiences with the HIV/AIDS virus and the exposure prevention solutions now in place to help guide workplace prevention efforts.  

WHSC Training…promoting informed workplace action 

To ensure workers across all sectors are aware of and equipped to help prevent exposures to the many sources of biohazardous agents at work, Workers Health & Safety Centre has revised its Biological Hazards training program. The program offers insights on common biohazardous agents such as viruses, parasites, bacteria and fungi, along with biological toxins and non-infectious materials such as allergens. As with all WHSC programs, participants learn how to identify and assess these hazards, including the common pathways of transmission. They will also explore the critical elements of an effective action plan to reduce or better still, eliminate hazardous workplace exposure.  
 
Infectious Disease training digs deeper into the most relevant diseases to which workers might be exposed, along with tell-tale signs and symptoms. Characteristics and classes of infectious agents are explored along with the cycle of infection, modes of transmission and routes of entry. Measures to control exposure to infectious agents in a range of workplaces are also discussed along with relevant legislation, standards and public health directives. 

Special WHSC training opportunity

Boost the capacity of your workplace to protect workers from infectious diseases with a one-day virtual training opportunity. And keep in mind, both Biological Hazards and Infectious Disease programs are essential training for all workplace parties, not just members of Joint Health & Safety Committees, health and safety representatives, and supervisors. Although employers have the greatest responsibility to control hazards all workplace parties have obligations and rights to participate in the pursuit of safer and healthier work, which in the case of infectious disease will also help preserve public health as well.  

REGISTER TODAY—limited space for this one-day virtual training session. Pick a date that works best for you—August 20 or September 10.

Need more information? 
Contact a WHSC Training Services Representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
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