What is the protocol if an employee is exposed to a bloodborne pathogen?

Seeking medical evaluation promptly is the correct protocol if an employee is exposed to a bloodborne pathogen. This action is crucial because immediate medical attention can significantly impact the effectiveness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatments, which can reduce the likelihood of infection from bloodborne viruses like HIV or Hepatitis B and C.

Timely assessment by healthcare professionals allows for the necessary tests to be conducted, evaluation of the risk of infection based on the nature of the exposure, and the initiation of any required vaccination or treatment regimes. The rapid response can essentially lead to better health outcomes for the exposed individual, ensuring that they receive care tailored to their specific situation.

While leaving the area might be instinctive for personal safety, it does not address the critical needs of health evaluation and does not provide a systematic way to manage the exposure incident. Reporting the incident after a delay can compromise the medical response and documentation. Filing a complaint with OSHA is unnecessary for immediate health concerns and is not part of the first-response protocol for exposure incidents.