Exposure to blood-borne pathogens is a hazard most people think is limited to health care workers. The truth is that nearly every work environment — especially those in which hand tools and heavy equipment are used — is at risk for blood-borne pathogen contamination. Improper care can lead to the transmission of serious, and sometimes deadly, diseases.
What Are Blood-borne Pathogens?
Blood-borne pathogens, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, are “infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans.” HIV, AIDS, hepatitis, syphilis, and malaria, are some of the more common diseases the pathogens carry. They transmit diseases ...
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