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City Construction Co., Inc.

Bloodborne Pathogens in Construction

Overview of Topic

While bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) may be more commonly associated with healthcare, construction workers also face risks of exposure to infectious materials. Injuries, accidents, and tasks involving first aid, sharp objects, or handling potentially contaminated waste on a construction site can expose workers to harmful pathogens, such as hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) applies to the construction industry when there is a reasonable expectation of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).

Inspection Before Use Requirements

Before starting tasks where workers may encounter blood or OPIM, check the following:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that proper PPE (e.g., gloves, eye protection, face shields) is available and in good condition. All workers responsible for first aid must have immediate access to PPE.
• First Aid Kits and Supplies: Confirm that first aid kits are fully stocked with necessary items, including disposable gloves, CPR shields, and biohazard disposal bags for cleaning up or handling contaminated materials.
• Sharps Containers: Make sure sharps containers are accessible, properly labeled, and in good condition for the safe disposal of needles, blades, or other sharp objects.

Use Requirements

• Universal Precautions: Always treat all blood and OPIM as if they are infectious. Workers who perform first aid or handle materials contaminated by blood must wear gloves and other appropriate PPE.
• Handling Sharps Safely: In construction, workers may come across sharp tools or debris. Handle all sharps (e.g., broken glass, needles) with tools like tongs or brooms—never use your hands. Place sharps in proper disposal containers immediately after use.
• Proper Disposal of Contaminated Materials: Contaminated items, such as bandages or gloves, must be disposed of in labeled biohazard bags or containers. Do not dispose of these items with regular site waste.
• Immediate Handwashing: After handling blood or contaminated materials, wash hands with soap and water immediately. If handwashing facilities are not available on site, use hand sanitizer until proper handwashing is possible.

Specific Considerations for Construction

Bloodborne pathogens may not be an everyday hazard in construction, but the risk exists when accidents or injuries occur. Workers who handle first aid, clean up spills, or work with sharp objects must follow specific safety guidelines to protect against exposure.

• First Aid Responders: On construction sites, workers responsible for first aid are more likely to encounter bloodborne pathogens. They must follow safety protocols, including wearing gloves and other PPE when administering first aid or cleaning blood spills.
• Accidents Involving Sharp Objects: Construction workers frequently use tools that can cause injuries leading to blood exposure. Workers must safely handle and dispose of sharp objects such as nails, blades, or glass, using designated sharps containers.
• Job Site Injuries: If a worker is injured and bleeding, they must be treated with appropriate precautions to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens for both the injured worker and anyone assisting with first aid.

General Industry Rules Applicable to Construction

In addition to construction-specific guidelines, general OSHA standards also apply to managing bloodborne pathogen risks:

• Exposure Control Plan (ECP): Employers must implement an ECP outlining how workers will be protected from exposure, the use of PPE, and post-exposure procedures. This plan must be updated annually or as needed.
• Hepatitis B Vaccination: Workers who may have occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as first aid responders on a construction site, must be offered the hepatitis B vaccine free of charge.
• Training Requirements: Workers with potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens must receive training on hazard recognition, the use of PPE, and the proper steps for handling exposure.

Other Safety Rules

• Accident Response: If an accident results in blood or OPIM exposure, it is critical that the affected area is immediately cleaned using appropriate cleaning agents, and all contaminated materials are safely disposed of.
• Preventing Sharps Injuries: Workers who come into contact with sharps on-site should use tools to collect and dispose of them safely. Always place sharps in designated containers immediately after use.
• Biohazard Labeling: Containers used to store or transport contaminated items must be properly labeled with a biohazard symbol to prevent accidental exposure.

Specific OSHA Regulations

• Bloodborne Pathogens: 29 CFR 1910.1030
• PPE Requirements: 29 CFR 1926.28

Employee Training

Training for workers involved in tasks where they may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens must include:

• Bloodborne Pathogens Overview: Explain the types of pathogens workers may encounter, including HBV, HCV, and HIV, and how they can be transmitted.
• Exposure Prevention: Teach workers to always use Universal Precautions, which means treating all blood and OPIM as potentially infectious. Demonstrate proper use of PPE and safe handling practices.
• Post-Exposure Procedures: Workers should know what steps to take after potential exposure, including first aid, seeking medical evaluation, and following up with testing and treatment as necessary.
• Hepatitis B Vaccination: Workers who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens through their job duties should be informed about the hepatitis B vaccine and its benefits.

Training Tips

• Use job site scenarios to explain how workers might be exposed to bloodborne pathogens during construction tasks (e.g., after an accident or injury).
• Conduct hands-on training for workers on the proper use of PPE and the procedures for handling and disposing of contaminated materials.

Where to Go for More Information

• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1030
• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention: https://www.osha.gov/bloodborne-pathogens

By following these guidelines and ensuring proper training, construction workers can reduce their risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Always prioritize safety, use the proper PPE, and follow safe practices when dealing with potential bloodborne hazards on the job site.