What is the main goal of an OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?

The main goal of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is to protect workers from exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses. This standard establishes requirements for employers to implement measures that minimize the risk of occupational exposure to these pathogens in the healthcare and related industries.

These measures include providing personal protective equipment, conducting training for employees about risks and safe practices, ensuring proper cleanup and disposal of potentially infectious materials, and establishing exposure control plans. By focusing on safeguarding the health and safety of workers who may come into contact with blood and bodily fluids, the standard is vital in reducing the incidence of infections in the workplace.

Other options relate to important aspects of healthcare and infection control but do not encapsulate the primary aim of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Ensuring the safety of surgical procedures pertains more to sterile techniques and surgical protocols rather than occupational exposure. Regulating medical waste disposal is crucial for environmental safety and public health but is a distinct area not directly addressed by this standard. Increasing funding for infection control research is a broader issue that supports advancements in healthcare, but it does not reflect the specific focus of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.