The interplay between psychological stressors and biological hazards among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Despite the advent of modern technologies, biological risks still cause concern in workplaces. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are exposed to a wide range of occupational risks including biological and psychosocial ones. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs experienced unprecedented levels of distress, especially due to the risk of SARS-CoV-2 contagion and the fear of spreading the virus in the work and social community. This emotional overload led to an increase in mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, and burnout) that can hinder patients' safety and the quality of care. After outlining the international safety regulation on biological risks, we discussed the interplay between biohazard and psychosocial risk, focusing on how to prevent occupational infections in healthcare using comprehensive action strategies that aim to ensure a healthy work environment to improve, protect, and promote the health and safety of all workers. Occupational infections, particularly those caused by emerging agents and/or responsible for epidemics, still cause concern in health care workers globally and require prompt action to implement health and safety programs.