OSHA’S Involvement With Bloodborne Pathogens
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a department developed by the Department of Labor in order to provide a safe work environment for employees at their work sites. OSHA was first formed in 1970. It wasn’t until 1992 when OSHA set into place regulations regarding Blood borne pathogens.
Blood borne pathogens are microscopic organisms in the blood that carry contagious and possible deadly diseases. These microorganisms are undetectable without blood testing. A lot of people can be carrying these pathogens and don’t even know it. We’re talking about HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis, and even Malaria just to name a few. The OSHA Blood borne Pathogens Act was created to protect employees from contracting Blood borne pathogens.
OSHA has since required those in the medical field, public service, and others like tattoo artists and anyone who may be at risk for coming in contact with human blood, to be certified by taking a bloodeborne pathogens course.
These OSHA Blood borne pathogens courses to provide information about the pathogens, safety measures that one should take to prevent contamination, equipment that is useful to one’s safety when in contact with human blood. And what you should do if you feel you may have been put at an extreme likelihood of contracting one of these pathogens.
Blood borne pathogens can exist in anyone without them knowing. So it’s really up to individuals to be aware of the risks, signs, and prevention methods to safe guard themselves and others from the possibility of contracting one of these serious conditions. Although these OSHA Blood borne pathogens training courses are mandatory in certain employment areas, those who work in day cares, home health positions, and even those who are required to be CPR and first aid certified, should consider investing in a blood borne pathogens training course.
There are a lot of people who feel that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s involvement in regards to blood borne pathogens isn’t required but because of OSHA’s Blood borne Pathogens Act, the spread of infectious blood borne diseases have decreased over the years. They implemented safety issues with regards to the use of sharp devices. For instance needles have now been improved by safety caps, safer disposable containers, and some manufacturers created a retractable needle to prevent blood borne pathogens from spreading.
There is an overwhelming amount of information on OSHA Bloodborne regulations, as well as, just pertinent information regarding blood borne pathogens through the internet. You can locate facilities that offer an OSHA Bloodborne pathogens training course as well. Some facilities that offer these courses can be done over the internet as your convenience. Many local area libraries, fire departments, etc. will hold blood borne pathogen training classes along with CPR and first aid.
