Transmission of bloodborne pathogens in the work setting is a risk wherever workers may have contact with blood or body fluids as a result of their duties. The science is clear that there have been cases of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV resulting from occupational exposures. Risk of transmission has been greatly reduced by implementation of the requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard established in 1992.

The lawful requirements for facilities follow the recommendations of the CDC, based on current scientific understanding of these diseases. All the requirements of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard must be followed in any workplace where workers may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens as part of their duties.

Employees have a right to PPE, training, and treatment in the event of a needle stick or exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse especially because this is a protection against job-related risk.

Resources

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
800 321-OSHA (6742)
http://osha.bloodbornepathogens.us/

To report unsafe working conditions or safety/health violations to OSHA, contact
800-321-OSHA (6742)
TTY 877 889 5627

For questions about appropriate medical treatment for occupational exposures, assistance is available from the Clinicians Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Line at:
1-888-448-4911
http://www.nccc.ucsf.edu/External