But all bodily fluids have the potential to be infected with bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Since July 28 is World Hepatitis Day, this is a good time for bloodborne pathogens (BBP) training.
If you have workers who are exposed to blood or other bodily fluids either regularly or in emergency first-aid situations, they need to be trained on how to stay safe in these situations.
Hepatitis C is the most common bloodborne infection. There are several hepatitis viruses, but the hepatitis C virus is one of the most common found in humans and has also been shown to be easily transmitted from one person to another. Millions of Americans have been infected with hepatitis C. While hepatitis C continues to be a common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States, in recent years there has been a considerable decline in new cases.
It can be years before symptoms are recognized. People who are infected with hepatitis C may not even be aware of it because they may not feel or show signs of illness. In fact, as many as 80 percent of victims have no symptoms. It can sometimes take decades before symptoms appear.
Hepatitis C can cause chronic liver disease and death. Liver disease occurs in approximately 70 percent of infected people and claims thousands of lives each year.
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Symptoms are similar to hepatitis B. Symptoms, when they do appear, are similar to hepatitis B—fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
There is no vaccine. Although there are some drugs for treating hepatitis C that are quite effective, there is no vaccine as there is for hepatitis B.
Despite the dangers of BBPs, every year when OSHA announces the standards that have the most frequent violations, the BBP standard is right up there on its list. Employers that fail to follow through with annual BBP training may find themselves subject to heavy fines.
BBP training must be given to all employees with a reasonably anticipated risk of occupational exposure to blood. Here is a nonexhaustive list of job classifications or tasks that qualify as occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and are therefore covered under the BBP standard:
- Employees trained and designated to render first aid, including employees who administer first aid as a collateral duty to their routine work assignments
- Employees whose job includes cleaning or decontaminating areas or surfaces contaminated with blood
- Employees trained to provide medical, healthcare, and medical research services, including doctors, dentists, nurses, dental and other healthcare aides, laboratory technicians, and phlebotomists
- Housekeepers and janitors at healthcare facilities
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Note that an employee who is not designated or trained as a first-aid or healthcare provider and who voluntarily performs a “Good Samaritan act” at work is not covered under the standard because such an act is not considered a reasonably anticipated occupational exposure.
OSHA requires that training must be provided at the time of initial assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may take place and at least annually thereafter. Training requirements apply to full-time employees and also to part-time and temporary employees.
Find out more about World Hepatitis Day at http://worldhepatitisalliance.org/WorldHepatitisDay.aspx.
Why It Matters
- In one recent year, there were almost 1,100 violations of OSHA’s BBP standard and over a half-million dollars in penalties.
- In 2011, the number five most cited section of the BBP standard was [1910.1030(g)(2)(i)] — Employee training program.