Imagine you're removing trash bags from bins at your cleaning job, press down to compress the bag and "BOOM", you've been stabbed by a contaminated needle and have now been exposed too bloodborne pathogens. 

Realistically, you never know what infectious disease the person you're assisting may unknowingly carry. Its best to always be protected, and that protection starts with how employees assess and reset contaminated areas. It is dire to follow OSHA guidelines to reduce exposure. In the event you are exposed, there are precautions necessary to take.

The first issue with our scenerio is that you pressed down on the trash bag. Its an extremely optional action that can risk exposure. Another issue is that there were needles in trash bins. Contaminated items should be properly disposed of every single time. We are supposed to treat every bodily fluid as if its contaminated, per the "Universal Precaution Approach". That includes using proper PPE, no hand-mouth contact/smoking around contaminated areas, and following all other OSHA guidelines.

Things happen, and sometimes you get exposed. First step; call your supervisor and PCP. Afterwards, watch for symptoms. Some symptoms may include, fatigue, pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes, jaundice, diarrhea, dark urine, light colored stool, constant fever/rash with no apparent cause. Examples of bloodborne pathogens include Hep-B(HBV) and HIV/AIDS. Although that doesn't conclude our list of symptoms or diseases, I'm sure you're now aware of the importance of cleaning employees knowledge of bloodborne pathogens and why following OSHA is simply to protect yourself and others.