A blood-borne virus (BBV) is a virus that spreads through blood or blood-containing body fluids.
Hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are the most common blood-borne viruses that workers might encounter in the workplace. Certain jobs carry a higher risk of exposure to BBVs than others.
BBVs can be transmitted via needlestick or other sharps injuries, as well as through direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes (e.g. mouth, eyes). Although the risk of infection is very low, serious health issues can occur if infections go undiagnosed or untreated. Health care workers who are regularly exposed to blood and body fluids are most at risk. They include but are not limited to:
- healthcare workers, for example surgeons doctors, dentists, dental assistants, nurses, operating theatre staff, laboratory staff, orderlies, ambulance officers and trainee health care workers.
- other groups of workers who may be exposed to an infection risk include prison officers, police officers, funeral workers, sex industry workers and some waste industry workers.
Control exposure risks
Under the work health and safety law, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure the health and safety of workers and others at the workplace.
To manage the risk of exposure to diseases in the workplace, a PCBU must:
- apply a risk management approach to eliminate and/or minimise the risks in the workplace so far as is reasonably practicable
- consult with workers and/or their health and safety representatives to help manage these risks.
Further information on reducing the risks of blood-borne viruses, including standard precautions, is available in the National Code of Practice for the Control of Work-related Exposure to Hepatitis and HIV (Blood-borne) Viruses [NOHSC:2010 (2003)].
Workers and others at the workplace must also take reasonable care for their own health and safety and not adversely affect other persons' health and safety.
Sources of a blood-borne disease
- Infected patients, clients and public – a virus is unlikely to be transmitted during everyday workplace contact, but it is more likely to occur if cut by a contaminated sharp object.
- Infected deceased bodies – don’t embalm infected bodies; they pose a significant risk of exposure.
- Contaminated materials – this covers any item that has been exposed to blood or body fluids from an infected person, such as needles, dressings, clothing, linens, or furniture.
- Equipment and medical devices – ensure all items are sterilised before reuse, regardless of whether blood is visible.
- Motor vehicles – vehicles from traffic accidents often have blood contamination. Watch out for sharp metal, broken glass, and needles. Service and repair workers should also check for sharp objects hidden in upholstery and gloveboxes.
- Incident scenes – such as workplaces, playgrounds or roads.
Education and training
Inform workers if they may be exposed to BBVs. Ensure everyone, especially those in high-risk roles knows how to protect themselves by following safe procedures and using equipment and personal protective equipment correctly. Include training on first aid, HBV vaccination, counselling, and blood-borne virus updates in new worker induction programs.
Emergency plans
Emergency plans should include spills or incidents that could expose someone to blood-borne viruses. These plans should specify required PPE, first-aid steps, accommodations for disabled workers, staff roles, and emergency contacts.
Notify incidents
Under the work health and safety law, PCBUs must ensure that workers and others in the workplace are protected from the risk of infectious diseases. The regulator must be notified of any work-related infection. For more information, see notification of serious injury or illness.
Resources and guidance
- The Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Managing the risks of biological hazards at work: Model code of practice, Safe Work Australia
- Blood-borne viruses, Healthdirect