Bloodborne pathogens: Oregon OSHA launches Spanish-language training course

Salem, OR — Oregon OSHA has launched a Spanish-language online training course on bloodborne pathogens for health care, emergency response, hospitality and other industries.

Bloodborne pathogens – infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV – can be transmitted to workers via needlestick, broken glass or other sharps.

Aimed at helping employers meet the requirements of Oregon OSHA’s standard on bloodborne pathogens, the free course includes videos, interactive scenarios and a quiz. Topics covered include assessing the potential for exposure, the elements and management of an exposure-control plan, and preventing and reducing exposures.

“It takes solid planning, training and other critical steps to address the potential on-the-job hazards of bloodborne pathogens,” Julie Love, interim administrator of Oregon OSHA, said in a press release. “But language barriers can pose challenges to taking those steps. That is why we’re offering this new tool to help break down those barriers.”

Oregon OSHA, which operates under federal OSHA’s State Plan program, has also published a bloodborne pathogens guide that includes answers to key questions about workplace exposure.