Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Enforcement at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration: The First Twenty-Five Years

Abstract

Bloodborne pathogen exposures continue to be an occupational health concern of high importance. It is uncertain whether national regulations and enforcement have an impact on employer action for reducing risk. The goal of this research was to determine whether citations issued under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard changed over time given these changing risks and controls. Researchers analyzed 31,066 inspections. There were 77,142 citations issued between 1991 and 2015. The highest frequency is the time period just after revisions of the 2001 standard. There were striking levels of noncompliance, most evident in Exposure Control Plan and Recordkeeping violations. No other pattern or change was evident. In the time periods after 2005, numbers of citations remained steady or declined. As new bloodborne pathogens emerge annually, it is essential to continue to focus on enforcing the standard to keep employers in compliance and workers protected.