Thursday, April 27, 2017

Hepatitis B & C

A blood-borne disease such as hepatitis B and C can be passed on by being exposed to contaminated body fluids or by getting injured from sharp objects like needles and scalpels.

Workers in the medical industry are most vulnerable due to constant exposure. In the case of a needle-stick injury or a worker getting infected by getting contaminated blood in their eyes, nose, or mouth, the person must be checked in the emergency room within two hours of exposure.

Image Source: Flickr

How to reduce the risks
An exposure control plan (ECP) should be established in case the workers are exposed to Hepatitis. The hazards of being exposed to Hepatitis and the controls needed to keep people safe depend on the type of work and workplace. Below you’ll see the different types of risk controls you can use, arranged in decreasing order of effectiveness.

Engineering controls
Making physical alterations can help reduce the risks of exposure. Ensure that safety engineered needles are being used, and sharps disposal equipment is accessible.

Administrative controls
Changes in rules and regulations at work, posting awareness materials, and training of workers are all included in administrative controls. Ensure that workers are informed about safety guidelines around picking up and eliminating used sharps.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Because this is the least effective among all control options, another control must be used in conjunction with this one. Ensure that workers use proper PPE every time they work.

 

Contact:
Working Safety Solutions

#200-4170 Still Creek Drive, Burnaby, B.C.
604-320-7850



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