Many employers assume the Bloodborne Pathogens standard is only for healthcare. It's broader than that. The standard applies wherever workers have a reasonably anticipated risk of contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials as part of their duties — and that reaches more workplaces than people expect.
One common trigger that surprises employers: designated first-aid responders. If you assign employees to render first aid as a collateral duty, that can be enough to bring you under the standard and require a written Exposure Control Plan. You don't have to be a clinic.
When the standard applies, you need a written Exposure Control Plan that generally covers:
Exposure determination — which job classifications and tasks carry occupational exposure.
Methods of control — universal precautions, engineering and work-practice controls, PPE.
Hepatitis B vaccination — offered to covered employees.
Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up — the procedure if an exposure incident happens.
Training and recordkeeping — and the plan must be reviewed and updated at least annually.