In this module
Objectives covered: LO 3.13.1. By the end you will be able to:
- Describe bloodborne pathogen controls.
- Recognise ergonomic risk factors and simple fixes.
- Describe workplace violence prevention and the role of training.
13.1 Bloodborne pathogens
First aiders, healthcare and cleaning staff can be exposed to blood containing hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV. OSHA 1910.1030 requires an exposure control plan, universal precautions (treat all blood as infectious), gloves and face protection, sharps containers, hepatitis B vaccination offered free, and post-exposure evaluation. After a needlestick: wash the area with soap and water, report at once, and get medical evaluation.
13.2 Ergonomics
Musculoskeletal disorders (back pain, carpal tunnel, shoulder strain) come from force, repetition, awkward posture, vibration and long durations without rest. Simple fixes:
- Adjustable chairs and work heights for sewing and assembly operators.
- Tools that keep wrists straight; anti-fatigue mats for standing work.
- Trolleys and lift tables instead of carrying.
- Job rotation and short micro-breaks.
OSHA has no specific ergonomics standard, but uses the General Duty Clause and guidelines.
13.3 Workplace violence
Workplace violence ranges from threats and harassment to physical assault. Prevention includes a zero-tolerance policy, risk assessment, secure access, good lighting, working in pairs at night, cash-handling rules, reporting systems and support for victims. ILO Convention 190 addresses violence and harassment in the world of work.
13.4 Bringing it together
The OSHA 30-hour course gives supervisors and workers a broad view of general industry hazards. Use it with your company's own procedures and Bangladesh law. Keep learning: hazards change, and so do standards.
- 1910.1030: bloodborne pathogens. OSHA ergonomics guidelines; ISO 11228 manual handling.
- ILO C190 (violence and harassment); Bangladesh High Court guidelines on sexual harassment (2009) and Labour Act Section 332.
RMG sewing operators may sit for 10 hours a day on benches without back support. A Chattogram factory trialled adjustable chairs and foot rests on two lines. Operators reported less back and neck pain, absenteeism dropped, and output rose enough to pay back the chairs within a year.
Learning Check
Answer these two questions to check your understanding. You can try again as many times as you like.