Why It’s Important for Our Team to Understand and Ask Questions About Bloodborne Pathogens

As part of our custodial and cleaning staff, every one of you plays an important role in keeping our worksites safe and healthy. One of the most serious risks we face on the job involves bloodborne pathogens—germs that can spread through contact with human blood or certain bodily fluids. These can include viruses such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Even a small amount of contact can be dangerous if the proper steps aren’t followed. That’s why understanding how to protect yourself and others isn’t just part of your job—it’s part of our responsibility to each other.

When we talk about cleaning safely, it’s not just about making a space look good. It’s about doing the job the right way. Knowing how to recognize and handle materials that could be contaminated, using the right personal protective equipment (PPE), and following disposal procedures are all essential parts of preventing exposure. These safety standards aren’t optional—they’re part of federal OSHA regulations and are in place to protect every member of our team. When we follow our bloodborne pathogen procedures correctly, we help ensure no one gets hurt or sick, and we keep our clients and community safe as well.

As your supervisor, I want each of you to feel confident and protected while you work. That’s why we conduct regular training and refreshers on bloodborne pathogen safety. If you ever have a question or come across a situation that doesn’t feel right, stop and ask for guidance—never take chances. The more we all understand and apply these safety practices, the stronger and safer our team becomes. Remember: our goal isn’t just to clean—it’s to protect, prevent, and perform with professionalism every single day.