OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Revisited: Impact of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act

摘要

The healthcare industry faces many challenges in maintaining the safety and health of its workers. According to OSHA, 5.6 million workers in the healthcare industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HEV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and others. There are 20 types of bloodborne pathogens that if acquired, can result in serious morbidity, disability and death. Although hospital workers are at the greatest risk of becoming infected, other workers (e.g., emergency medical technicians, first-aid responders, fire, police, correction facility personnel, funeral staff, medical equipment or linen service providers, hotel staff, security, tattoo or body piercing personnel) are at risk of contracting bloodborne illnesses through occupational exposure to blood, bodily fluids and other potentially infected materials.