Bloodborne pathogens and needlestick injuries pose serious risks in many workplaces, particularly in healthcare, laboratory, and emergency response settings. While exposure can lead to serious illnesses, most incidents are preventable with proper safety measures. By understanding the risks and implementing effective prevention strategies, employees and employers can significantly reduce the likelihood of injuries and protect overall workplace health.
What are Bloodborne Pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. There are different types of bloodborne pathogens, such as:
- Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Hepatitis C (HCV)
- And, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens.
Exposure Control
To minimize or eliminate the risks of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, employers must develop and implement a comprehensive exposure control plan that outlines specific measures to protect employees.
The plan must detail how the employer will implement engineering and work practice controls, personal protective equipment, employee training, medical surveillance, hepatitis B vaccinations, and other requirements of OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). Engineering controls are the primary method to reduce exposure and include safer medical devices such as needleless systems, shielded needles, and plastic capillary tubes.
OSHA provides 5 ways to prevent sharps and needlestick injuries:
- Plan safe handling and disposal before any procedure
- Use safe and effective needle alternatives when available
- Activate the device’s safety features
- Immediately dispose of contaminated needles in OSHA-compliant sharps containers
- Complete bloodborne pathogens training
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a critical line of defense against bloodborne pathogens and needlestick injuries. Gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection help create a barrier between employees and potentially infectious materials. Gloves should always be worn when handling blood or bodily fluids, and disposable PPE should be properly removed and discarded after use. Selecting the right PPE for each task and ensuring proper fit and usage can significantly reduce the risk of exposure.