Employees with infected wounds should take which of the following actions?

The recommended action for employees with infected wounds is to cover those wounds with waterproof dressings. This is crucial for several reasons. First, covering the wound helps prevent any possible pathogens from the wound from contaminating food and surfaces in the food handling environment. Waterproof dressings also provide a barrier against moisture, which is important because moisture can facilitate the growth and spread of bacteria.

Ensuring that wounds are properly protected supports food safety standards and helps maintain hygiene within the food handling process. It is also important for employees to follow this procedure to safeguard both their health and the health of consumers.

The other options do not adequately address food safety. Avoiding contact with management does not contribute to resolving the issue of contamination, while brightly colored bandages may not provide the necessary protection and do not contribute to the cleanliness protocol. Continuing to handle food normally with an infected wound poses a serious health risk, as it might lead to cross-contamination and foodborne illness.