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NIOSH Safety and Health Topic:

Women's Safety and Health Issues at Work

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:

Page last updated: November 18, 2008
Page last reviewed: November 18, 2008
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies (DSHEFS)