Fewer than 1-in-2 frontline healthcare workers say they had formal PPE training when COVID-19 hit

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-06-09 16:15

Australia; NSW; VIC

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One in five healthcare workers received no training on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when COVID-19 hit and less than one in two received formal training in the workplace, according to a survey of Aussie frontline healthcare workers. Over 2000 workers participated in the survey, with nearly half reporting re-using or extending the life of their PPE outside recommendations to manage shortages. The participants also reported a lack of fit testing, inconsistent guidelines and bullying from higher-ups when issues were raised, which the researchers say could have contributed to higher COVID-19 infection rates within the workforce.