Bloodborne pathogens present an on-the-job concern not just for workers in the healthcare industry, but also those working industrial or custodial jobs. Though healthcare workers are obviously at a higher risk of contact with bloodborne pathogens, all people who work in the same environment as other people or who may come in contact with garbage or waste products are at risk as well.
Workers need to be aware that blood and other body fluids could contain pathogens such as the Hepatitis B or C Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or other harmful pathogens. Body fluids that are considered dangerous include blood, saliva from dental procedures, semen and vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, synovial fluid and body fluid with visible blood and any unidentifiable body fluid. Vomit and feces are potential carriers as well because blood is often not easily visible.
Workers in healthcare, industrial and custodial jobs should all receive proper training regarding the potential risk of coming in contact with bloodborne pathogens and the steps that they can take to best protect themselves. For those in the healthcare industry, it is estimated that there are between 600,000 and 800,000 needlestick and other sharps injuries every year resulting in approximately 2,500 workers being infected with HIV or one of the hepatitis B or C. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that over 75 percent of these injuries are preventable.
Help protect your employees from illness resulting from a bloodborne pathogen by including the following information during regular, mandatory training sessions:
1. Potential sources of bloodborne pathogens:
- blood
- body fluids containing blood, semen or vaginal secretions
- vomit and feces
2. Necessary precautionary measures:
- wearing protective clothing including impervious gloves, face masks and/or eye protection or impervious suits or aprons when there is a risk of splashing infectious materials into the eyes or onto the skin
- proper hand washing procedures, including use of disinfectant
- cleaning up spills with bleach, ammonium or another disinfectant before handling
3. Proper disposal of contaminated items:
- contaminated items should be disposed in containers marked as holding hazardous materials
- thoroughly clean with disinfectant any reusable equipment or surfaces that have come in contact with potentially infected fluids
- properly dispose of or clean any protective covering worn by employees while working with hazardous fluids
4. What to do if you suspect exposure:
- immediately report any suspected exposure to a supervisor
- inform employees they have the right to obtain a confidential consult with a physician after suspected exposure
- if applicable, employee should receive the hepatitis B vaccine
To enroll in SafetyArc.com’s online Bloodborne Pathogens training course, click here .