Which organization sets guidelines for infection control and workplace safety?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recognized for its pivotal role in setting guidelines for infection control and workplace safety. The CDC develops comprehensive evidence-based practices aimed at preventing the spread of infections, particularly in healthcare settings. This includes creating recommendations for healthcare personnel, developing protocols for cleaning and sterilization, and addressing how to manage exposure to infectious materials. The guidelines provided by the CDC are foundational in establishing safety standards that help protect both patients and healthcare workers from potential infections.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) does provide global recommendations and guidelines on public health matters, including infection prevention, the focus of the CDC is more localized and tailored to the United States, making it the primary source for infection control guidelines in that context. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates food and drug safety, and while it contributes to public health, it is not primarily focused on infection control guidelines. Similarly, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversees workplace safety regulations, which include some aspects of infection control, but it is the CDC that offers the detailed guidelines that address the specific practices needed to prevent infections in healthcare contexts.