Does Your Farm Safety Curriculum Include Bloodborne Pathogen Safety?

Farmers have to wear many hats in their daily operations. On any given day they might have to be cultivators and planters, mechanics and engineers, veterinarians, paramedics, business people, and more. The risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a particular risk when injuries occur, so it's especially important to make sure that your safety training program includes a course on bloodborne pathogens.

There are several things you can do to minimize the risk of bloodborne pathogens in your operation.

1. Make sure you use proper personal protection equipment (PPE).
2. Have your vaccinations up-to-date.
3. Dispose of medical waste -- like gauze, sharps, etc. -- promptly and properly.
4. Have a plan in place for dealing with potentially hazardous conditions.
5. Provide proper training and information to employees for dealing with emergency situations.
6. Maintain good injury, medical, and training records.