What is the best recommendation for staff with breaks in their skin who must work with biohazards?

The recommendation that staff with breaks in their skin should not work with biohazards is based on the heightened risk of infection or contamination. When the skin barrier is compromised, pathogens associated with biohazard materials have a greater opportunity to enter the body, potentially leading to serious health issues. The skin serves as the body's primary defense against pathogens, and any breaks can serve as entry points.

In environments where biohazards are present, workers with cuts or abrasions may inadvertently expose themselves to dangerous microbes, resulting in infection or illness. Although covering the break or using additional protective gear might mitigate some risk, these measures do not fully eliminate the potential for contamination.

Reporting the injury to a supervisor is also crucial, but it does not address the immediate safety concerns posed by working with biohazards while having an open wound. The priority must always be to ensure both personal safety and the safety of others in the work environment by avoiding contact with biohazard materials in such circumstances.