Bloodborne pathogens are serious threats to workers, but with proper precautions, they can be managed effectively. This article explains what bloodborne pathogens are and how they're transmitted, as well as the risks that exist in the workplace. We'll also explain how employers can minimize their employees' exposure to these pathogens and help them take the necessary steps to protect themselves from infection.
Bloodborne pathogens are transmitted by exposure to infected blood, but the risk of infection can be minimized by following safety precautions.
Bloodborne pathogens are transmitted by exposure to infected blood, but the risk of infection can be minimized by following safety precautions.
Employers have a duty to protect their employees from exposure to bloodborne diseases. Employers must have both an Exposure Control Plan and HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Program. The employer must also keep records of all employees who are exposed, and workplace hazards must be labeled with warnings about what types of hazards they present (e.g., "bloodborne pathogens"). Needles should be disposed of in puncture-proof containers or other appropriate disposal containers that prevent needlestick injuries from occurring during disposal or handling after use (if used on patients).
The risk of infection from exposure to blood and other bodily fluids depends on how likely it is that an employee will be exposed to infected material and how likely it is that the employee has been exposed to a pathogen.
The risk of infection from exposure to blood and other bodily fluids depends on how likely it is that an employee will be exposed to infected material and how likely it is that the employee has been exposed to a pathogen.
The following are some guidelines for reducing your risk of exposure:
- Wear protective gear when working with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
- Take care not to touch broken skin or mucous membranes with your hands, especially if you have cuts or sores on them. If you do get blood or OPIM on yourself, immediately wash thoroughly with soap and water, then disinfect the area with alcohol wipes before putting on clean clothing. If possible, use devices that minimize contact between sharp instruments and skin (such as needles) when giving injections. Use sharps containers when discarding used needles or other sharp instruments; do not recap them. Always follow universal precautions while performing tasks such as cleaning up spills of blood or OPIM."
A contaminated needle or other sharp instrument can also cause an injury that exposes employees to blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM).
A contaminated needle or other sharp instrument can also cause an injury that exposes employees to blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM). For example, if you accidentally prick yourself with a contaminated needle while cleaning up after an injured coworker, you could become infected with HIV or hepatitis B.
Needles and other sharp instruments are a common source of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, even when they appear new and unbroken. In addition, some studies have shown that even when people don't realize they've been exposed during an accident involving these items because there was no visible injury (e.g., bleeding), about half of them may still be infected by whatever pathogens were present on the device--and therefore should take precautions against infection regardless!
Employers have a duty to protect their employees from exposure to bloodborne diseases by providing a safe workplace.
Employers have a duty to protect their employees from exposure to bloodborne diseases by providing a safe workplace. This means that employers must do everything within their power to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). They must inform employees about the risks associated with this type of work, provide training on how best to avoid them and ensure that there are adequate disposal containers available for used sharps.
Employers should also have an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) and HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Program (HCTP) in place as part of their program for protecting workers from HBV, HCV, and HIV infection. The ECP will be reviewed annually; it should include:
- A list of tasks that may involve occupational exposure;
- Procedures for dealing with any spills involving blood or OPIMs;
- Personal protective equipment is required for those performing these tasks;
Employees must be given instructions on how best to prevent infection when performing such tasks as handling sharp instruments or cleaning up after an accident involving bleeding patients who may not realize they're infected
Employers have a duty to inform their employees about the nature and severity of the risks they face and how best to minimize these risks.
Employers have a duty to inform their employees about the nature and severity of the risks they face and how best to minimize these risks.
This includes providing information about: The risks of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. How to minimize those risks. How to report exposures that occur in the workplace. How injuries associated with bloodborne pathogens are reported. What is considered exposure or potential exposure (and whether it requires post-exposure prophylaxis). Requirements for administrating post-exposure prophylaxis (if applicable)
Employers must have both an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) and HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Program (HCTP).
The following are examples of ECPs, HCTPs, PEPs, and COPs:
- Exposure Control Plan (ECP) - A written plan that describes how the employer will protect employees from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. It must be reviewed by a qualified person at least annually and updated as necessary. The ECP must also be available for review upon request by or other authorized officials with reason to believe an imminent hazard exists at the workplace.
- HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Program (HCTP) - A written plan that describes how the employer will inform employees about HIV/AIDS and how he/she will provide testing for HIV infection and other infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection; syphilis; gonorrhea; chlamydia trachomatis; herpes simplex virus type 1 & 2 (HSV-1 & HSV-2); varicella-zoster virus (VZV); cytomegalovirus retinitis; bacterial pneumonia caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms including multidrug-resistant MDRTB which may lead to death if untreated immediately."
Bloodborne pathogens are serious threats, but with proper precautions, they can be managed effectively.
Bloodborne pathogens are serious threats to the health of employees, but with proper precautions, they can be managed effectively. Employers have a duty to protect their employees from exposure to bloodborne diseases by providing a safe workplace. In order for an employer to meet this obligation, they must have both an Exposure Control Plan (ECP) and HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Program (HCTP).
The ECP is a written document that outlines how an employer will minimize the risk of transmission through contact with infected blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). It should include:
- A description of each job category that has potential exposure;
- Procedures for identifying tasks or activities that involve potential exposures;
- Methods for controlling those tasks or activities;
- Procedures for monitoring employee compliance with these methods
Conclusion
Bloodborne pathogens are serious threats, but with proper precautions, they can be managed effectively. Employers should make sure that their workplaces are free of any potential hazards and provide their employees with training on how to protect themselves from exposure. It's also important for workers to report any injuries they may have received while on duty so they can be treated properly before infection sets in."