Aftermath has launched 3
R’s of Blood and Biohazards, an initiative to raise awareness about
biohazard concerns for first responders and law enforcement. The program
provides support to create or enhance existing biohazard training programs
while also offering resources for equipment and training materials.
Risk
Risk
First responders and law enforcement officers must be made
aware of the risks they expose themselves to when coming into contact with
severely injured individuals and objects on which bodily fluids may be present.
One out of every 24 people has Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV, and many of
those individuals are unaware of their infection. In fact, Hepatitis C, the
most common bloodborne pathogen infection in the U.S., affects 3.2 million
U.S. residents, 75% of whom are unaware that they are infected.
Rights
Rights
All employees who are exposed to human or animal biohazards
need to know their rights to protection from bloodborne pathogens. OSHA,
NIOSH, CDC and EPA all have established rules and guidelines to protect workers
whose occupations require them to handle biohazard material, including
information about personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccinations and the
safe disposal of blood and biological materials.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
Employers can be liable if employees or customers are
exposed to a risk following a biohazard situation. To mitigate exposures to
biohazards, employers should follow OSHA’s Blood-Borne Pathogen standard 29 CFR
1910.1030 as well as regulations developed by EPA, CDC, NIOSH and other
agencies regarding the handling and disposal of biological materials. Employers
are also responsible for providing exposed employees with Hepatitis B
vaccinations, personal respirators, respiratory medical screening to ensure
that the worker can properly breathe while wearing a respirator and PPE such as
full-body suits, gloves and booties. Additionally, employees need to be trained
in the bloodborne pathogen, PPE, HazCom and respiratory standards, and
employers should formulate a written exposure control plan outlining steps to
protect employees from pathogen exposure.
More information, as well as biohazard brochures and break
room posters, can be found on Aftermath’s website.