Cleaning employees & staff should know about bloodborne pathogens to protect themselves and others in and outside the workspace. Being knowledgeable about risks to exposure can help eliminate life threatening illnesses and serious infections. Education staff members can create an overall safer, healthier workplace for staff. Being aware of how bloodborne pathogens are contracted in the workspace and prevention procedures are the first step to protecting workspaces.

Cleaning employees have a first chance to eliminate and lessen the risk of exposure in the workplace by practicing safe techniques. Proper collection of waste that has been compromised by blood borne pathogens help to eliminate risk of infection. It can also eliminate or minimize the risk of exposure from those who come into contact with waste after it is collected and disposed of.

After a cleaning employee or staff is exposed, knowing about bloodborne pathogens can help in staff knowing how to respond properly. Responding properly and in a timely manner can make the difference between a worker having a lifelong infection or getting the right treatment to minimize the chances. It can also help to have staff develop policies and cleaning and decontamination schedules programs and procedures.