Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms found in human blood, vomit, and possibly saliva that can cause disease in humans if they come into contact with them, and the diseases are serious. Hepatatis B, HIV/Aids, and other life-threatening diseases can be contracted this way. This is why training for staff and cleaning staff is of the utmost importance - understanding and properly utilizing preventative measures is the best defense against bloodborne pathogens. According to one link from the OSHA website - an article by The New England Journal of Medicine titled "A Case–Control Study of HIV Seroconversion in Health Care Workers after Percutaneous Exposure" - preventing exposure is the "preferred strategy" in mitigating exposure risk.

These potentially deadly microorganisms are usually absorbed through mucous membranes - the eyes, nose and mouth, or cuts or scrapes on the skin - but they can also occur from accidental puncture wounds through the skin. There are a myriad of situations that can cause exposure, but improperly trained staff is a huge indicator of risk. They need to know to not do things such as manually compress trash bags and how to properly wear PPE in order for them to be able to protect themselves.

Knowledge truly is power, and these simple steps can save your organs, quality of life, or life itself, from serious harm. We care about our staff and ourselves and our health care workers, so everyone needs to know how to prevent and what to do if contact does occur, for the continued quality of life.