Bloodborne Pathogen Safety Program
Posted by Julie from Southfield, MI, US on April 22, 2009
Is my company required to have a bloodborne pathogen program for employees if we are not in the healthcare industry? Somebody told me that if we have first aid supply cabinets we have to have a program.
OSHA requires that all employers whose employees can be reasonably expected to come into contact with body fluids must have a bloodborne pathogen safety program. Of course, anyone working in a health care facility would fit this requirement. First responders, emergency room staff, and police also fit this description. It is my opinion that simply having a first aid cabinet does not mean a company meets the "reasonably foreseeable" requirement.
I would recommend you contact your local OSHA office and ask this question. When contacting OSHA you are not required to give your name, phone number, or company name. If you are willing to give this information, request that the person you are talking to verify the conversation with a letter. They should be willing to do so.



