Bloodborne Diseases
Exposures to blood or other infectious materials in the workplace can put employees at risk of getting a bloodborne disease, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Working in health care, medical labs or housekeeping may increase the chance of contact with blood or other body fluids.
NIOSH publications that relate to bloodborne diseases in working women include:
Potential work-related bloodborne pathogen exposures by industry and
occupation in the United States Part I: An emergency department-based
surveillance study
This study looked at the extent of possible work- related bloodborne
pathogen exposures in the United States across all industries and
occupations. National estimates of exposures and exposure rates were
computed from the 1998 to 2000 National Electronic Injury Surveillance
System.
Prevalence and risk factors for bloodborne exposure and infection in
correctional healthcare workers
NIOSH researchers examined how well the guidance for reducing exposures to bloodborne pathogens was being followed in correctional healthcare. Room for improvement was noted in involving front-line workers in evaluating and selecting safer medical devices and in updating and maintaining required exposure control plans.
There's no place like home: a qualitative study of the working conditions
of home health care providers
This study described the work experience and hazards of home health care
providers, with a focus on risk factors for bloodborne pathogen exposures.
The study found home health care providers face serious work-related hazards,
including violence in neighborhoods and homes, lack of workstations, heavy
patient lifting, improper disposal of dressings or sharp medical devices,
and high productivity demands.
For additional information about bloodborne diseases that applies to male and female workers, check out these other NIOSH web pages: