Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001 Hazard: BLOODBORNE

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to: a) Funeral Home: Embalmers were exposed to the hazard of being infected by HBV and/or HIV through possible direct contact with blood or other body fluids. 1) A potential for cuts or puncture wounds exist due to instruments left out on the work counter and not stored in a closed container. 2) A potential for exposure existed due to bloody water which was left in the embalming sinks. The embalming sink contained an aspiration tube with a trocar attached. b) Funeral Home: Attendant was exposed to the hazard of being infected by HBV and/or HIV through possible direct contact with blood or other body fluids. 1) A potential for needle stick exposure existed due to used, uncapped syringes which were left on the window sill. Feasible and useful abatement methods for reducing this hazard among others, are: 1) Offering the Hepatitis B vaccination, at no cost, to all employees whose jobs involve the risk of directly contracting blood or other potentially infectious materials. 2) Establishing and implementing an Infection Control program that addresses the use of "universal precautions" for all embalming cases. 3) Providing training for all employees in the recognition of biohazardous material, precautionary measures, use of personal protective equipment, and proper work practices.