Who is at risk?

It is very unlikely that you will become infected through everyday social contact with another worker who has a BBV as they are mainly transmitted sexually or by direct exposure to infected blood or other body fluids contaminated with infected blood.

In the workplace, direct exposure can happen through accidental contamination by a sharp instrument, such as a needle or broken glass. Infected blood may also spread through contamination of open wounds, skin abrasions, skin damaged due to a condition such as eczema, or through splashes to the eyes, nose or mouth.

The HSE list some professions where it is considered that people can be at risk and these include:

• Custodial services like prisons, detention centres, homes
• If you work in education you can be at risk due to the number of possible accidents that can occur
• If you are a first aider in the workplace
• Other professions include; undertakers; emergency services; hairdressing; beauticians; acupuncture, car breakers and the associated cleaning services involved in these areas and much more.

This list is not exhaustive but as you see there is a wide range of professions at risk of infection.