What can result if health workers do not take proper precautions?

The practice of proper precautions is critical in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections. If health workers do not adhere to these precautions, one significant risk is that their hands can become contaminated. When hands are not adequately sanitized or protected, they can carry pathogens from one surface or patient to another, increasing the likelihood of transmitting infections.

This contamination can lead to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which not only impact the health of the workers but also compromise patient safety. The importance of hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) cannot be overstated, as these measures are essential in breaking the chain of infection.

In contrast, some of the other options presented do not align with the consequences of neglecting proper infection control practices. For example, becoming more efficient is not a feasible outcome when handling contaminated equipment or being in unsanitary conditions—it tends to lead to errors and increased time spent managing preventable issues. Similarly, an unsterile environment cannot maintain sterility if precautions are disregarded, and the idea that health workers could develop immunity by being exposed to contaminants contradicts standard medical understanding; instead, they are more likely to fall ill or carry infections home.