Bloodborne Pathogen Exposures in Healthcare: Protecting Staff from Dirty Needles and Instruments

I've just published an article in Occupational Health & Safety that’s close to my heart as a safety professional:

Bloodborne Pathogen Exposures in Healthcare: Protecting Staff from Dirty Needles and Instruments dives into one of the most critical—and often overlooked—risks healthcare workers face: exposure to bloodborne pathogens through contaminated sharps. I outline how engineering controls like safety-engineered devices, consistent training, and a zero-tolerance attitude toward complacency are essential to keeping our healthcare heroes safe.

These exposures can happen in the blink of an eye—with serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. My hope is that this article will inspire healthcare facilities to prioritize actionable safety protocols.

Read the full article on OH&S and consider how these practices might apply in your workplace: Read the full article →

Author

Jeremy R. Abbott is a safety and occupational health professional with more than two decades of experience in workplace safety, risk management, and employee well-being. His work focuses on creating practical, sustainable safety programs that protect people in diverse environments, including military healthcare facilities.