Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Injury

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms found in blood that can cause disease in humans.

Bloodborne pathogens are often transmitted to workers via a needlestick injury. This may occur when the worker is handling medical waste, drawing blood from a patient, or putting up an intravenous line.

Employers need to have an exposure control plan in place to reduce occupational exposure risk. The plan needs to detail how employees will be protected, for example, by the mandatory wearing of gloves. Education and training play a large role in prevention too. Vaccinations for hepatitis B can be given to all exposed employees. Engineering controls can largely eliminate the exposure of workers to bloodborne pathogens. For instance, the use of shielded needles and plastic capillary tubing.

If a worker is pierced by any sharp object that’s contaminated with blood or other infectious material, action should be taken immediately.