Bloodborne Pathogens: A Guide for General Industry Training Course

When you hear the phrase “bloodborne pathogen,” your mind probably goes to hospitals, clinics, or labs. For decades, that's where the focus has been, but this overlooks a critical truth: the risk of exposure isn't confined to the healthcare industry. The risk of coming into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) exists in almost every workplace, from the factory floor to the retail space, and from construction sites to hotel housekeeping.

Think about a factory worker on a fast-paced assembly line. An injury can happen in an instant, and a machine contaminated by one person’s blood becomes an immediate hazard for the next person who uses it. Or consider a retail employee whose job suddenly involves more than stocking shelves when a customer has an accident, leaving behind contaminated broken glass or used first-aid supplies. And what about a janitor, who faces the ultimate unknown every time they empty a trash can or clean a public restroom, and must be prepared for improperly discarded medical sharps or the aftermath of an unreported injury.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) is designed to protect all workers who can reasonably anticipate contact with blood or OPIM as part of their job duties. In this course, you’ll learn what bloodborne pathogens are, with a focus on Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). We'll discuss how occupational exposure can occur through parenteral contact (pierced skin), non-intact skin, or splashes to mucous membranes. You'll also learn about the "multi-layered shield" of protection, which includes engineering controls (like sharps containers), work practice controls (like proper handwashing and decontamination), and personal protective equipment (PPE). Finally, we'll cover employer responsibilities, such as providing an Exposure Control Plan and offering the Hepatitis B vaccine at no cost.

By understanding where these risks hide, applying your "shield" of precautions, and knowing how to respond if an exposure occurs, you can take control of your safety. Regardless of your role, if your job could involve contact with blood or OPIM, this course will provide you with the awareness and preparation needed to protect your health and future.

This program is available with Spanish and French closed captions.