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Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patient care puts many healthcare workers at risk of exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Therefore, healthcare employers must protect workers and follow OSHA’s requirements.
OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applies to occupational exposure (as defined) in general industry.
Note: Healthcare employers may also be subject to requirements, standards, and guidance from other agencies and organizations, such as The Joint Commission, other healthcare accreditation organizations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and state and local health agencies. These are not addressed in this ezExplanation.
In general, the OSHA standard requires covered employers to: