Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) are microscopic organisms in human blood that can cause life-threatening diseases. OSHA defines these pathogens to include Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). These illnesses have devastating effects: HBV and HCV target the liver and can lead to conditions like cirrhosis or liver cancer, while HIV attacks the immune system, leading to AIDS.
In this guide, we’ll discuss:
- Risk factors for occupational exposure
- Universal precautions and workplace controls
- Employer responsibilities and your steps if exposed
Over 5.6 million workers risk bloodborne pathogen exposure through cuts, mucous membranes, or sharps. High-risk roles include healthcare and responders.
The CDC estimates that 5.6 million workers face occupational exposure to BBPs. Occupational exposure refers to contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) through:
- Eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes
- Non-intact skin (cuts, abrasions)
- Parenteral exposure (needlesticks or sharps injuries)
At-Risk Occupations
While healthcare professionals are at the forefront, other jobs face risks, including:
- Coroners and funeral directors
- Daycare, senior care, and hospice workers
- Emergency responders and correctional officers
- Tattoo artists, piercers, and maintenance employees
Treat all blood and OPIM as infectious. Use hand hygiene, PPE, and safe practices to prevent exposure. Undiagnosed infections heighten workplace risks.
The CDC’s Universal Precautions emphasize treating all blood and OPIM as if they are infected. This protocol, expanded in 1996, now includes:
- Hand Hygiene: Wash hands before and after PPE use.
- PPE Use: Gloves, face shields, and gowns as appropriate.
- Safe Injection Practices: Avoid recapping needles and ensure proper disposal.
Why These Precautions Matter
- In 2019, 58 million people globally were suspected of having chronic Hepatitis C, but 75% were undiagnosed.
- Similarly, 1.1 million Americans had HIV, with 15% unaware of their infection (WHO, HIV.gov).
Engineering controls like sharps containers and self-sheathing needles minimize exposure by physically isolating or eliminating hazards, ensuring safer workplaces.
Engineering controls are tools designed to minimize exposure risks. Examples include:
- Sharps Disposal Containers: Marked with the biohazard symbol.
- Self-Sheathing Needles: Prevent accidental injuries.
- Injury-Protection Sharps Systems: Reduce handling risks.
These measures physically isolate or remove the hazard, offering a frontline defense.
Work practice controls stress, such as not eating near OPIM, careful sharps handling, proper spill cleaning, and consistent PPE disposal and handwashing.
Work practice controls
Focus on how you perform your job to minimize exposure. Key practices include:
- Never eat, drink, or apply cosmetics in areas with potential exposure.
- Store food and beverages away from areas containing OPIM.
- Avoid recapping, bending, or breaking used needles. Nearly 1/3 of sharps injuries occur during disposal.
- Clean blood or OPIM spills with a 1:10 bleach solution or an EPA-approved disinfectant.
Proper PPE disposal and handwashing immediately after removing gloves or protective equipment minimizes risks.
Employers ensure BBP safety through compliance, annual plan updates, free Hepatitis B vaccines, PPE, training, and detailed recordkeeping.
Employers play a critical role in BBP safety:
- Compliance with OSHA Standards: Employers must comply with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), which mandates employee protective measures.
- Exposure Control Plan: A written plan should identify potential exposure risks and detail procedures for prevention. This plan must be accessible, reviewed, and updated annually with employee input.
- Hepatitis B Vaccination: Employers must offer the Hepatitis B vaccine at no cost to employees within 10 days of assignment.
- PPE and Training: Provide and maintain PPE at no cost and ensure employees receive initial and annual training on BBP risks and precautions.
- Recordkeeping: Maintain medical and training records and a sharps injury log.
Wash exposed areas, report to your supervisor, seek medical evaluation, follow up with employer-provided testing, and monitor symptoms.
Immediate Actions
- Wash and Flush: Wash affected skin with soap and water. Flush eyes, nose, or mouth with water.
- Report the Incident: Notify your supervisor immediately.
- Seek Medical Attention: A healthcare professional will evaluate the exposure and recommend further action.
Employer’s Role
- Provide post-exposure follow-up, including counseling and testing.
- Document the incident and evaluate workplace controls to prevent recurrence.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
- Hepatitis B and C: Symptoms may appear weeks to months after exposure, including fever, fatigue, nausea, and jaundice.
- HIV: Initial symptoms can include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes within 2-4 weeks of exposure.
Combine precautions, controls, and compliance to minimize BBP risks, fostering a safer, OSHA-compliant workplace.
Reducing your risk of BBP infection requires a combination of personal precautions, engineering and work practice controls, and employer compliance. By following OSHA’s guidelines and staying vigilant, you can help ensure a safer workplace for yourself and your colleagues.
Spot Workplace Hazards Before They Strike—Take Action Today!
Hazard recognition is the cornerstone of workplace safety, helping to prevent injuries, illnesses, and accidents before they occur. If you’re unsure about identifying risks or need training on workplace hazard assessment, now is the time to act. Speak with your safety team or supervisor to ensure your workplace follows OSHA guidelines and implements proactive safety measures. Together, we can build a safer environment for everyone.
Hazard recognition matters. Learn how to identify and prevent workplace risks with our Bloodborne Pathogens: Standard Precautions in the Workplace!
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