Author: wiloandco

What are bloodborne pathogens? Bloodborne pathogens are
infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in
humans. All occupational exposure to blood or other potentially
infectious materials (OPIM) places workers at risk for infection from bloodborne pathogens
These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose
workers to bloodborne pathogens. (www.OSHA.gov).

Meeting Start Question

▪ What are bloodborne pathogens?
▪ What can be done to control the exposure to bloodborne pathogens?
▪ What is OPIM?

Critical Safety Points

Blood and other potentially infrectious materials (OPIMs) gushing or dripping out of wounds
can cause HIV, hepatitis, and numerous other serious and potentially fatal diseases. Avenues of
infection include skin punctures, small cuts, acne, or suburn blisters, and your eyes, nose, and
mouth (e.g., if you rub your eyes or nose with contaminated gloves or clothing, you’ve put
yourself at risk.).
Infectious agents can survive in dried blood for up to seven days. Never assume that if blood or
OPIMs are dry, you are not at risk of infections. If you assigned to clean up a spill, cover the
area containing blood or OPIM with paper towels or rags, pour disinfectant solution over the
towels and leave them in place for at least 10 minutes. That will help kill the infectious agents,
then you can clean up the spill.

When injuries happen, employees should alert their manager.  The manager or manager on duty reports injuries to Sedgwick at 1-877-576-1911.

Heat Stress
Heat Stress can cause incidents due to loss of focus or excessive fatigue. The direct
consequences of Heat Stress can include: Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, or Heat Stroke (www.OSHA.gov).

Meeting Start Question

▪ Are you aware of how to prevent Heat Stress?
▪ What should you do if an employee falls ill due to Heat Stress?
▪ How can you reduce your risk for heat related illness during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Critical Safety Points

Heat-Related Illnesses:
Heat Stroke- Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Suffering from a Heat Stroke
can result in death or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs.

Heat Cramps– Heat Cramps are painful short lived muscle cramps.

Heat Exhaustion– There are two types of of Heat Exhaustion. Water depletion- Signs include
excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness. Salt depletion- Signs include
nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.

The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors during hot days. Air
conditioning is the best way to cool off, according to the CDC. Also:
▪ Drink more liquid than you think you need and avoid alcohol
▪ Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
▪ Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
▪ Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When injuries happen, employees should alert their manager.  The manager or manager on duty reports injuries to Sedgwick at 1-877-576-1911.

According to OSHA: Understanding chemicals and the potential impact
with employees and employers is important. It is also crucial to be able
to classify the potential hazards of chemicals, communicate
information concerning hazards, and communicate appropriate protective measures to
employees (www.osha.gov).

Meeting Start Question

• Are there any hazardous chemicals that you currently use or come into contact with
during your work day?
• Have you been trained on how to properly store and dispose hazardous chemicals
within your workspace?
• Do you know the proper steps to follow if an exposure were to happen?

Critical Safety Points

What Forms Do Chemicals Take:
• Solid
• Liquid
• Gas

How To Recognize Solid Chemicals:
Dusts and Particles: Dust and powder can be found in the air. Dust and Powder is a reaction to
cutting, drilling, grinding, and sanding. Cutting, drilling, grinding, and sanding produces dust and
particles that can be inhaled.
Fumes and Fibers: Fumes are classified as small droplets of metal formed metal has been
vaporized by high temperatures, common in welding. Fibers are compounds that are similar to
dust, but take on a elongated shape, an example of this would be asbestos or fiberglass.
How To Recognize Liquid Chemicals:
• Liquids: It is possible for liquid chemicals to have direct contact with the body, this could
lead to absorption into the body.

When injuries happen, employees should alert their manager.  The manager or manager on duty reports injuries to Sedgwick at 1-877-576-1911.

Heat Stress can cause incidents due to loss of focus or excessive
fatigue (www.OSHA.gov). The direct consequences of Heat Stress can
include: Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, or Heat Stroke
(www.OSHA.gov).

Meeting Start Question

▪ In your department, are there workers who work outside?
▪ Are you aware of how to prevent Heat Stress?
▪ What should you do if an employee falls ill due to Heat Stress?
▪ How can you reduce your risk for heat related illness during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Critical Safety Points

Heat Stroke
Seek medical help immediately. Signs and symptoms include flushed skin that is very hot to the touch;
rapid breathing; headache, dizziness, confusion or irrational behavior; and convulsions or
unresponsiveness. The victim also will likely have stopped sweating. Please take action by:
▪ Call 911 immediately
▪ Move the victim to a cool place
▪ Remove outer clothing
▪ Immediately cool the victim with any means at hand, preferably by immersing up to the neck in
cold water (with the help of a second rescuer)
▪ If immersion in cold water is not possible, place the victim in a cold shower or move to a cool
area and cover as much of the body as possible with cold, wet towels
▪ Do not try to force the victim to drink liquids
▪ Monitor the victim’s breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed
Heat Exhaustion
This can happen when the body loses an excessive amount of salt and water. Symptoms are like those
of the flu and can include severe thirst, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting and, sometimes, diarrhea.

When injuries happen, employees should alert their manager.  The manager or manager on duty reports injuries to Sedgwick at 1-877-576-1911.