Is there a risk of Blood Borne Infection at Work?

There is only a risk where work involves direct exposure with infected blood or other bodily fluids contaminated with infected blood. Infected blood may also spread through contamination of open wounds, skin abrasions, skin damaged due to conditions such as eczema or through splashes to the eyes, nose or mouth (i.e. via contact with the mucous membranes).  In the workplace, most contamination incidents are caused by needle stick, sharp instruments, splash, bite or scratch injuries.

Groups who may be at risk include:

• Social Care staff involved in the care of clients - home carers, residential workers, day care staff, etc.

• Education staff at schools for pupils with severe learning difficulties.

• Countryside Staff who may come across discarded drug user equipment.

• Other Council staff such as street cleaning, COVID Marshals, Street Marshals, Park Maintenance, Waste and Facilities staff.

• First Aiders in all areas.

It is the responsibility of managers to identify those staff that may be at risk, assess the level of risk, introduce appropriate control measures, maintain appropriate records and monitoring and ensure staff are provided with adequate induction, information and training.

Care should still be taken as the presence of blood is not always obvious. Please note immunisation is only available for Hepatitis B not for other BBV’s.