Common Safety Orientation (CSO) Practice Test

Which example indicates a job with bloodborne pathogen exposure?

1. Nursing

2. Construction work

3. Police/Security

4. Office work

The correct answer is: Police/Security

The indication of bloodborne pathogen exposure is primarily associated with jobs where there is a high likelihood of coming into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. In this context, police and security personnel often handle situations involving injuries or violence, which can expose them to blood. Such exposure puts them at risk for infections from bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. While nursing also involves potential exposure to blood, which is significant in any healthcare role, the option selected here suggests a specific situation related to law enforcement and security duties, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these jobs. Workers in these fields must be trained to recognize and respond to situations that could involve bodily fluids and are thus provided with appropriate training regarding safety protocols to minimize exposure risks. Construction work typically does not involve direct exposure to blood unless there is a specific incident, and office work generally lacks any risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Therefore, the job roles that entail potential exposure to blood or fluids must have adequate training and precautions, justifying the connection to police/security roles in terms of bloodborne pathogen risks.