Why You Need to Learn About the Risks of Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
OSHA estimates that over 5.6 million workers in the United States face potential occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Any contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) can put workers at risk for infections such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV/AIDS.
Many occupations carry this risk. Workers who may be exposed include first aid responders, housekeeping staff in certain settings, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Understanding these risks is essential for protecting yourself and others in the workplace.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
| ID | Objective |
|---|---|
| TO 1.0 | Achieve a minimum score of 70% on the final course assessment. |
| LO 1.1.1 | Explain OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen standard and its purpose. |
| LO 1.2.1 | Describe HBV, HCV, and HIV, including common complications associated with each. |
| LO 1.3.1 | Identify bodily fluids that can transmit bloodborne pathogens and explain how employees can protect themselves. |
| LO 1.4.1 | Explain what an Employer Exposure Control Plan (ECP) is and discuss its key components. |
| LO 1.5.1 | Identify occupations with a higher likelihood of occupational exposure. |
| LO 1.6.1 | Explain the two primary control strategies employees use to minimize or eliminate transmission of bloodborne pathogens in the workplace. |
| LO 1.7.1 | Describe Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and list common types used to protect workers from bloodborne pathogens. |
| LO 1.8.1 | Discuss the employer’s responsibility to offer the hepatitis B vaccine to employees. |
| LO 1.9.1 | Explain the steps an employee should take following exposure to bloodborne pathogens. |
| LO 1.10.1 | Describe how employers ensure that the worksite is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. |
| LO 1.11.1 | Identify and explain primary methods of communicating the presence of potentially infectious materials to employees. |
Key: TO = Terminal Objective, LO = Learning Objective