What is the primary goal of the blood borne pathogen standard?

The primary goal of the blood borne pathogen standard is to prevent exposure to infectious diseases. This standard, established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of workers who may come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. It outlines specific measures and practices that employees must follow to minimize the risk of infection, such as using personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing proper disposal protocols for contaminated materials, and providing training on safe handling procedures. By focusing on the prevention of bloodborne illnesses, this standard directly addresses the significant health risks that can arise in environments where exposure to blood or bodily fluids is possible, such as in mortuary science practices.