The standard that requires employers to protect employees from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials, and to provide care after exposure, is administered by which agency?

• A. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
• B. EPA Hazardous Substances Standard
• C. CDC Exposure Control Plan
• D. NIH Safe Work Practices Standard

Answer: (A)

The requirement to protect workers from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials, and to provide care after exposure, is a safety standard enforced by OSHA, specifically the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. OSHA is the federal agency within the Department of Labor that sets and enforces workplace safety rules, and this standard requires employers to have an exposure control plan, use appropriate engineering and administrative controls, provide personal protective equipment, offer Hepatitis B vaccination, and ensure post-exposure medical evaluation and follow-up. The other agencies don’t administer this enforceable standard: EPA deals with environmental hazardous substances, CDC offers guidelines but not the enforceable rule, and NIH does not regulate workplace safety standards.