The importance of being knowledgeable about blood borne pathogens and the use of Universal Precautions is to lessen the risk of being exposed or  contracting a bloodborne illness such as HPV and HIV in the workplace. The regular use and the checking of PPE or personal protective equipment lessens your risk of exposure. Routine hand washing is the most single important thing you can practice to prevent the contraction of a bloodborne pathogens. Knowing the signs and symptoms associated with an illness is essential in the disease process, it's treatment, prevention and progression. 

Training in the proper handling of sharps and sharp containers are important in preventing workplace needle pricks. Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted through contaminated needles, blood exposure, coming in contact with contaminated surfaces, and splatter or splashed Microorganisms coming into contact with the mucus membranes of an otherwise healthy person.

Knowing proper cleaning practices and techniques, being cautious about how you clean and disinfect surfaces were blood or bodily fluids may or may not be present is important to your safety, those around us and those we serve. You should always assume that areas and surfaces around you are contaminated with a pathogen.