What are Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) are microorganisms—such as viruses or bacteria—that may be found in the blood or certain bodily fluids and are capable of producing disease in others. Some examples of BBPs include:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis B Virus
- Hepatitis C Virus
Although health care workers face many risks when performing their jobs, one of the most concerning is potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBP). When there is exposure to the blood or other potentially infectious materials of patients who are infected with these microorganisms, staff can become infected if they are not careful, leading to potentially severe consequences.
Protecting Employees with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires organizations that regularly interact with blood or blood products to put programs and processes in place to protect their employees. OSHA’s Standards can be challenging to interpret, and it is valuable to work with a knowledgeable expert like Stericycle that can help you navigate the complexities and remain compliant with all relevant regulations, including BBP training and exposure control plans.
Leveraging Expert Bloodborne Pathogens Training
By leveraging these expert partners, organizations can efficiently and effectively meet OSHA’s initial and annual training requirements. For instance, Stericycle offers a comprehensive, online BBP module that is easy to access. Presented by a disease control and prevention expert, each session is available in English and Spanish—and staff can complete the training in less than an hour.
Importance of a Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
In addition to training, an organization must have a thorough BBP exposure control plan that describes how BBP exposure will be prevented and how it will respond should a staff member be exposed. A solution like Stericycle’s online safety plan builder can help with creation of the exposure control plan. The safety plan builder will generate a report with an exposure control plan that is customized to your particular organization. Stericycle certifies that your plan includes all the necessary elements that an OSHA compliance officer would be looking for. We also provide specific forms for you to document when you review the report each year, allowing you to easily demonstrate that your plan is up-to-date.
Remain in OSHA Compliance with Expert Support
Partnering with an OSHA expert can help minimize risks and ensure you efficiently develop the necessary elements to achieve and sustain compliance with OSHA’s BBP requirements. Our award-winning BBP Training can help your team remain compliant and safe, ensuring your staff and organization have the tools they need to best understand and meet OSHA regulations.
