Bloodborne pathogens are a serious issue. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimated that 5.6 million workers are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBPs).
Most of these workers are in the medical industry or public service. However, all employees are vulnerable to BBPs. A paper cut or getting injured in a friendly game of interoffice basketball can lead to bloodborne pathogen exposure. It’s why training about bloodborne pathogens is necessary.
The OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires companies with employees at risk of exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) to conduct bloodborne pathogens training. These classes will make a difference in protecting workers and clients.
It’s easy to incorporate bloodborne pathogen training into office policy. But getting workers to take it seriously is a different challenge. The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard is full of various definitions, regulations, and penalties. It can become confusing.
Whether the training program is developed in-house or outsourced, it must engage workers and impress on them the importance of following safety protocols. Here are some ideas on how to keep bloodborne pathogens training educational and interesting:
Consider Company Policies
Healthcare organizations and medical-oriented businesses are required to develop an Exposure Control Plan. This document addresses every possible hazard in the company’s workspace. It covers everything from chemical inventory to maintenance activities and physical hazards.
The document should also have a detailed breakdown of the jobs and employees that are exposed to bloodborne pathogens and the protocols for exposure.
The training team should consider these policies and incorporate them into their training modules. They can also use it to improve the Exposure Plan and look for areas that need to be filled in or improved.
Incorporate BBP Training with Other Modules
Most companies in the healthcare industry offer various training classes, like Basic First Aid, COVID-19 Response, or Health Literacy. It’s a good idea to integrate BBP training with the other classes and vice versa.
The trainer can introduce Bloodborne Pathogens when discussing personal safety when providing first aid. Meanwhile, COVID-19 transmission methods can be explained while discussing the various methods BBPs are transferred.
Weaving the important concepts of every training module in other classes gives participants more opportunities to absorb different ideas. It also helps cover all the critical topics employees need to know.
Break the Ice
Learning a new skill is always challenging, but there’s added pressure when you’re in a classroom with colleagues. An ice breaker or two is the best way to start a training program. The training team should come up with group activities that will engage participants and help them get to know each other.
A game of Pictionary can be fun, but tailor it to the topic. For example, have them guess blood-related words or activities. Give the winning team candies or snacks they can munch on later.
An ice breaker can get participants focused on the topic. It also helps them relax before the class start and hopefully eager to learn something new.
Use Interesting Visual Aids
Talking in front of a large group of employees can be tiring and intimidating. Meanwhile, workers might find their interest waning if all they do is listen to a speaker or read handouts. You can change it out with some commonly used items and a bit of creativity.
You can use ketchup or food coloring to simulate blood. A red-colored plastic tape can also stand for bloody injuries. People are visual creatures and learn better when they can see a physical representation of a concept.
It’s also possible to conduct simulations of cases that could result in bloodborne pathogen exposure. The training team can also have workers participate in enacting their company’s Exposure Control Plan. Employees can wear PPEs and use a makeshift spill kit to put what they learned to the test. They can also practice cleaning up contaminated spaces.
Use the Actual Workplace
It’s a good idea to make the training real for the participating employees. Work out a schedule with the company and move the training group into their store or factory space they’ll be using in the future. Simulations will take on a more realistic and urgent feel if they’re in their actual workplace.
Have the group go through the steps in the company’s protocol. They can also practice how to isolate and store contaminated materials. Trainees can also try cleaning or disinfecting the space according to their training. It’s also a method for other employees to observe how bloodborne pathogens training goes.