WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Nearly any worker could encounter bloodborne pathogens – whether bandaging a co-worker’s cut, stepping on a used hypodermic needle in the alley or helping an accident victim on the way home.

WHAT’S THE DANGER?

The viruses that cause certain diseases are spread by contact with blood and some other bodily fluids. Bloodborne diseases include:

• HIV, which causes AIDS, an immune system failure;
• HBV, which causes Hepatitis B, a liver disease; and
• HCV, which causes Hepatitis C, also a liver disease.

EXAMPLES You could be exposed by being pricked by a used needle or other medical sharp, or exposed while giving first aid […]