Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne Pathogens Bloodborne pathogens are infectious disease-causing micro-organisms which may be present in human blood. They include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Workers may be exposed to these pathogens through needlestick or other sharps-related injuries. Healthcare workers, and workers acting as medical first responders, or assigned housekeeping in certain industries, may be at risk of exposure without proper safety and health precautions. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a serious, but preventable, occupational hazard. The CDC estimates about 385,000 needlestick or sharps-related injuries just in hospitals annually. Additional injuries occur in nursing homes, emergency care and first responders, and health clinics around the country. Please take a few minutes to review this critical Focal Point video. You will quickly learn the essential, need-to-know OSHA information to reduce your company’s operational risk to bloodborne pathogens.