The Importance of Bloodborne Pathogen Education

OSHA estimates that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry and related occupations are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens at work. This includes diseases like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and others. These bloodborne pathogens pose a great threat. Gaining a strong understanding of the Universal Precation, protective practices, and Post Exposure Management can help reduce the risk of exposure. 

Uneducated individuals in their understanding of the threat bloodborne pathogens pose, may unknowingly risk their health as well as others. And quite possibly their lives. OSHA has developed precautionary steps to ensure reduced risk of infection as well as steps for accidental contact with potential pathogens. But if one is unaware of these steps they are unable to preform them and are almost guaranteed exposure to these harmful diseases. 

Mistakes ones may make, is not being cautious of all blood and bodily fluid, and considering them to potentially contain infectious diseases. This first step is vital for all remaining precautionary steps. If one is not cautious then they do not see the importance of taking the necessary steps to handle and/or clean waste materials. They may neglect to wear PPE or wash their hands, or properly dispose of cleaning materials and disinfect cleaning appliances for future individuals use. Neglecting to educate and learn these vital procedures puts others at risk who are unaware that they may have come into contact with these bloodborne pathogens.

HIV and HBV are not to be taken lightly. HBV is a liver disease that inflames the liver and leads to liver damage, sometimes even leading to liver Cancer. HIV may develop AIDs in an individual who contracted it and could become fatal. Both diseases may not show signs of symptoms till many years after exposure. If all health care and related occupations see the importance of gaining an education on the procedures of handling bloodborne pathogens and take the steps to ensure they learn, we reduce the staggering number of 5.6 million at risk workers to a much lower number.