OSHA's new standard: exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Most health care workers in the U.S. are covered by OSHA's new standard on bloodborne pathogens exposure. Individual states that have their own occupational agency must enact a Standard that is at least as strict. Key elements of the Standard include an exposure control plan, universal precautions, engineering controls that stress sharps safety, personal protective equipment, exposure evaluation and follow up, and training. Employers are required to offer the hepatitis B vaccine free of charge to employees. Employees who decline the vaccine must sign a declination form. An OSHA inspection for compliance with this Standard will include review of records, a workplace walk through, and interviews with employees. OSHA has already cited and fined some workplaces for not complying with the Standard.