Are You At Risk? Interactive Online Training

Are you one of the 5.6 million workers the CDC estimates is at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens? While many assume this danger is limited to hospitals, the reality is that "occupational exposure" can happen in a wide variety of workplaces. This course is designed to help you determine if you are at risk and understand the critical definitions necessary for workplace safety.

We begin by defining exactly what "occupational exposure" means. It refers to specific contact with blood or Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM) that occurs while performing your job duties. You will learn to identify the primary routes of entry for these pathogens, which include contact with the eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes. We also cover entry through non-intact skin or parenteral piercing—injuries caused by needlesticks, human bites, cuts, or abrasions.

A major focus of this training is expanding your understanding of OPIM. It isn't just blood; you must be vigilant regarding body fluids that may contain blood, saliva in dental procedures, and any body fluid that is difficult to identify. We also discuss the risks associated with handling cells, tissues, or organs from humans or infected experimental animals.

Finally, we challenge the misconception that only doctors and nurses need to worry. While healthcare workers like dentists and nurses are obviously at risk, we examine the overlooked danger zones for other professions. This includes coroners, funeral directors, and correctional officers, as well as those in daycare, senior care, and hospice. We also highlight the risks for emergency first responders, laundry service employees, maintenance staff, and research lab scientists who may unknowingly encounter infectious materials.


Keywords: Bloodborne pathogens, occupational exposure, OPIM, CDC, infectious materials, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, parenteral piercing, needlesticks, human bites, body fluids, saliva, healthcare workers, first responders, funeral directors, laundry service, research lab, risk assessment, workplace safety, contamination

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