What should you do after washing a wound during food preparation?

After washing a wound during food preparation, covering the wound with a sterile bandage is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, covering the wound helps prevent infections. Open wounds are susceptible to bacteria and other pathogens, which could contaminate food and pose a risk to public health. A sterile bandage creates a protective barrier, reducing the likelihood of germs entering the wound and also preventing any bodily fluids from escaping and contaminating food or surfaces.

In addition, a properly covered wound can help promote healing by keeping the area clean and protected from further injury. This is essential in a food preparation environment where hygiene is paramount. Using a sterile bandage ensures that the area remains as clean as possible, supporting both the health of the worker and the safety of the food being prepared.

In contrast, leaving the wound uncovered exposes it to potential contaminants, while throwing away a bandage or applying more soap is not appropriate actions to take after initially cleaning the wound.