Bloodborne pathogens are described as pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and cause diseases in humans that include but are not limited to HIV and HBV (most common). Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver and may lead to AIDS (autoimmune deficiency virus.) Infected body fluids include but are not limited to, blood, vomit and sometimes saliva. Contraction of bloodborne pathogens can occure when the infected body fluids come in contact with the mucus membranes and abrasions in the skin which allow the viruses to enter the bloodstream (cuts, tears, punctures).

There are many ways in which you can be at risk of exposure in your job. Healthcare workers are among the most at risk employees. Always assume that a body fluid is a carrier of a bloodborne pathogen. Use PPE and other precautions when dealing with and potential risks no matter what the job is. You may be just on a cleaning job in a home that is cluttered. You go about your cleaning and throwing away items but you never know if the client has medical issues that require medicine to be injected, maybe they misplaced their insulin needle or it fell behing the sharps bin. Always pay attention to your surroundings. You should never bend or re-cap sharps and it is strongly recommended you use tongs to pick up the sharp and dispose of in a labeled sharps bin. 

Some people work in nursing homes with patients who all have different issues. Dementia or Alzheimer's disease can cause emotions in patients and make them act differently in circumstances. You may go to help bathe a patient and for some reason, they become agitated and start to bite you or scratch you. Remember that bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted through saliva and if the bite breaks the skin, you were just exposed. Just as you should always treat body fluids as if they are infected, never assume a person is clean either. Always report the incident to your supervisor immediately as symptoms of HIV and HBV can stay dormant for years after you were exposed.

OSHA has put into place information of how to clean up bodily fluids and dispose of biohazardous waste (red or orange bags) for you safety and the safety of others. By following OSHA's recommendations, you can help stop the spread of bloodborne pathogens. Biohazardous waste and removal is a job that is very needed and must be recognized. The job is risky to the employees and all staff should have the proper knowledge when it comes to dealing with bio. Always wear the proper PPE (gloves, tyvek suit, rubber boots, eye goggle with a respirator or full face respirator.)

To insure the safety of employees, the employer has to offer the HBV vaccine to all employees free of charge. Employees can refuse the vaccine but must sign a waiver saying they understand the risks. Taking all the necessary precautions will help stop the spread of disease and make a huge difference in your community.