What describes an action that a worker can take to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens?

Employing standard operating procedures is essential in preventing exposure to bloodborne pathogens. These procedures are established guidelines that outline safe practices and protocols for handling situations involving blood or potentially infectious materials. By following these guidelines, workers can significantly reduce their risk of exposure and ensure they are using proper methods for personal protective equipment, disposal of waste, and decontamination processes.

Standard operating procedures are designed specifically to protect workers and create a safer work environment by teaching them how to respond appropriately in various situations that could involve bloodborne pathogens. This proactive approach is crucial in maintaining health and safety in workplaces, especially in healthcare, laboratory, or industrial settings where the risk of exposure to blood and other bodily fluids is present.

For context, open containers could increase the risk of spills or exposure, ignoring safety signs can lead to unsafe practices, and hesitating to report injuries can cause delays in necessary medical intervention, all of which can increase the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.