All employers have a responsibility to educate their employees about the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and are required to provide OSHA bloodborne pathogen training, especially to those in the healthcare sector. This type of training has been made mandatory for businesses that have a high likelihood of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

All employees should be aware of the procedures of cleaning and decontaminating areas that have had contact with blood, vomit, and/or other bodily fluids. It is always safer to assume that these things may be the source of some type of bloodborne pathogen.

All custodial staff that handles biohazard waste, sharps bins, or other potentially contaminated objects should be educated on how to protect themselves from bloodborne pathogen exposure, as well as the correct procedures to take in the event of an “accident” or event of exposure. Explaining the use of protective equipment and procedures, as well as reporting and follow-up in the event of exposure are requirements that benefit both the employer and employees.