Introduction
Bloodborne pathogens can cause serious illness and even death. The most common diseases associated with bloodborne pathogens include:
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Employees in many occupations may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Other pathogens commonly transmitted through body fluids include:
- West Nile Virus
- Malaria
- Syphilis
OSHA emphasizes that employers can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—the risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens by implementing a combination of effective exposure control strategies. Simply providing training is not sufficient; employers must also establish, document, and enforce a formal Exposure Control Plan (ECP) to protect their employees from all bloodborne hazards.