OSHA prides itself for helping people to prevent bloodborne illnesses. It is unfortunate, but there are several diseases that can be spread through the blood. Some of these diseases include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. No one wants to get sick especially with a disease that has no cure. That is why prevention is so important. If you learn the proper techniques of dealing with blood and blood products you will be more likely to stop the spread of these diseases. OSHA bloodborne preventions can help you.
If you work for the hospital as a nurse, nurses' assistant or doctor you could come into contact with blood. Learn the proper techniques of handling blood and blood products. Phlebotomists need to be especially careful since they draw blood with the use of a needle. You will want to prevent needle pricks so you can prevent the spread of disease. You will want to keep yourself safe from contamination and you will need to think of others. Dispose of used needles correctly so there is a minimum risk of needle pricks. It only takes a prick to spread bloodborne diseases.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has made it a point of making sure everyone who can come in contact with blood should be trained in the proper methods of handling blood and blood products. That means taking all sorts of precautions. Some of the precautions can be carried out with available equipment such as latex gloves, eye glass products and lab coats. These items can keep blood out of your system preventing the spread of diseases.
As long as there are bloodborne diseases there will be a need for OSHA bloodborne training. If you work in a healthcare facility you will always want to be on your toes so you don't spread disease or get exposed to diseases. This means always using latex gloves, eye protection and lab coats. If you are a client and need to have blood drawn make sure the phlebotomist takes all of the precautions necessary to keep you safe.
It is also important to use care if you live with someone who has a bloodborne disease. If the person you live with ever gets cut you should not handle the cut area unless you are wearing latex gloves. It is a great idea to always have these gloves on hand if your spouse or loved one has a bloodborne disease. You want to protect them and yourself.
OSHA bloodborne diseases are running rampant due to the fact people don't take the necessary precautions. There are times when an accidental needle prick could happen. Make sure you know what to do if this happens to you. Also make sure you have done everything in your power to prevent diseases from spreading. Wear the protective gear you need and be especially careful when handling blood. People who have a bloodborne disease need to be extra careful so they don't spread their disease, but everyone should take part in OSHA bloodborne education so diseases are cut short. As long as there are untreatable diseases there will be a need for bloodborne training.