Bloodborne Pathogen Training for SLPs

Working in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home health, or outpatient clinics often means completing annual Bloodborne Pathogen Training. While speech language pathologists rarely think of themselves as being at risk for bloodborne diseases, our profession frequently involves situations where exposure is possible.

That's why we invited Dr. Kathleen Weissberg, a nationally recognized educator and National Director of Education for Select Rehabilitation, to come speak to our group! We captured some of the high points in 4 short videos and also created an online course so that SLPs can get the information they need to stay safe. So that we are all on the same page, let's review what bloodborne pathogens are and why it's important - even for SLPs who don't work in a medical setting. Then watch the quick videos and join us in the full course so that you can be safe, know your rights at whatever site you work in, and keep your colleagues and families healthy.

What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms carried in human blood and certain body fluids that can cause serious diseases after exposure. Some of the most recognized bloodborne pathogens include:

Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Although these diseases are most commonly associated with healthcare workers who perform invasive procedures, speech language pathologists may still encounter exposure risks during evaluation, treatment, feeding therapy, tracheostomy care, oral motor examinations, dysphagia management, or emergency situations. Understanding how these diseases are transmitted is the foundation of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Why Do Speech Language Pathologists Need Bloodborne Pathogen Training?

Many SLPs work in environments where employers require annual OSHA training.

Common settings include:

Hospitals
Acute rehabilitation
Skilled nursing facilities
Outpatient clinics
Home health
University clinics
Public schools
Early intervention programs

Even clinicians working primarily with children may encounter:

Nosebleeds
Oral injuries
Feeding accidents
Biting incidents
Emergency first aid situations

Bloodborne Pathogen Training helps clinicians respond appropriately while protecting themselves and others. This is one of a few specific requirements for continuing education like ASHA's ethics requirements that SLPs complete as part of their professional development.

What Does OSHA Require for SLPs?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to reduce workplace exposure to infectious materials. The standard requires employers to provide training to employees with reasonably anticipated occupational exposure. Training typically includes:

Bloodborne diseases
Modes of transmission
Universal precautions
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Exposure control plans
Engineering controls
Safe work practices
What to do following an exposure incident

OSHA also put together a nice OSHA Fact Sheet on Bloodborne Pathogens that sums everything up nicely. These interviews provide additional insight and help connect OSHA regulations to everyday clinical practice

Video 1: The Most Common Safety Mistake? It's Probably on Your Hands.

You might expect the biggest Bloodborne Pathogens safety concerns to involve complicated medical procedures or specialized equipment. According to our presenter, the most common problem is much simpler...and probably something you've done today.

Gloves and hand washing.

It sounds almost too obvious, yet these two basics are responsible for many workplace safety lapses. Gloves get worn too long, hands get a quick splash instead of a thorough wash, and busy clinicians move from one task to another without thinking twice.

Our instructor even shares a story from the airport where she watched travelers perform what could generously be called a "drive-by hand washing." Unfortunately, the same thing sometimes happens in healthcare settings.

The takeaway isn't to feel guilty. It's to recognize that good infection control isn't about complicated procedures. It's about consistently doing the simple things well, even when your schedule is packed and your next patient is already waiting.

Watch this video to learn why the easiest safety habits are often the ones we overlook the most.

Video 2: Universal Precautions...Yes, All of Them.

If you ask clinicians which OSHA safety practice is the most important, you'll probably hear a variety of answers.

Gloves?

Masks?

Cleaning?

PPE?

Our presenter has a different response.

"All of them."

The reason is simple. OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard works because each layer supports the others. Universal precautions, engineering controls, work practice controls, and personal protective equipment all fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

One of the most interesting parts of this discussion is that the instructor also explains when not to wear certain protective equipment. Sometimes clinicians accidentally overdo PPE, wearing gowns or masks in situations where they aren't necessary. Knowing what to use—and just as importantly, when to use it—is part of working safely and efficiently.

This short interview breaks down OSHA's four primary compliance methods into practical advice that makes sense for everyday speech-language pathology.

Video 3: Can OSHA Training Actually Be...Fun?

Let's be honest.

Nobody circles "Annual Bloodborne Pathogen Training" on the calendar with excitement.

Our presenter admits it herself. This can be a dry topic.

But that doesn't mean learning has to be.

In this interview she talks about how organizations can build a stronger culture of safety without turning compliance into another checkbox. Small reminders around the workplace, positive coaching, and friendly observations from coworkers can make a much bigger difference than waiting for an annual training session.

One of the ideas we especially liked is her approach to workplace audits. Instead of trying to catch someone doing something wrong, think of them as opportunities to help each other build better habits.

The goal isn't perfection.

It's making safety something everyone owns together.

Watch this interview for practical ideas you can use whether you're the newest clinician on the team or the department supervisor.

Video 4: OSHA Doesn't Just Protect Patients. It Protects You.

When people think about OSHA, they often focus on rules for employees to follow.

What sometimes gets overlooked is that employers have responsibilities too.

In this interview, our instructor explains what every speech-language pathologist should know about workplace protections. Employers are responsible for providing appropriate personal protective equipment, maintaining a safe work environment, educating staff, and helping employees if an occupational exposure occurs.

She also discusses something many clinicians never think about until they need it: knowing what chemicals you're working with, how cleaning products should be used, and what steps to take if an accident happens.

Hopefully you'll never need any of that information.

But if you do, you'll be glad you learned it before—not after—the unexpected occurs.

This conversation is a great reminder that workplace safety is a partnership between clinicians and employers, and knowing your rights is just as important as knowing your responsibilities.

Come learn more and earn CEUs!

Safety First, Accidents Last: The OSHA Essentials

This 90 minute online course was created specifically for healthcare professionals, including speech language pathologists. Join Dr. Kathleen Weissberg, a nationally recognized educator and National Director of Education for Select Rehabilitation, as she breaks down OSHA requirements into clear, actionable guidance. Through case examples and real world scenarios, participants will learn best practices for personal protective equipment, handwashing, handling contaminated materials, record keeping, and more.

Topics include:

Universal Precautions: Learn why every patient should be treated as potentially infectious and how universal precautions reduce risk.
Disease Transmission: Understand exactly how bloodborne diseases spread and, just as importantly, how they do not spread.
Exposure Control Plans: Learn how healthcare facilities reduce occupational exposure through written safety procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Know when gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection are appropriate during clinical practice.
Responding to Exposure Incidents: If an exposure occurs, immediate action matters. The course explains reporting procedures, documentation, and follow up recommendations.

Bloodborne Pathogen FAQ

Is This Course OSHA Compliant?

Yes.
The course follows OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training requirements and provides the education many employers require for annual compliance.
Always verify whether your employer requires additional site specific training beyond the general OSHA educational requirements.

Who Should Take Bloodborne Pathogen Training?

This course is appropriate for:
Speech language pathologists
Clinical fellows
Graduate students
Speech language pathology assistants (SLPAs)
Hospital clinicians
School based SLPs whose districts require training
Private practice clinicians
Medical SLPs

Do school speech language pathologists need Bloodborne Pathogen Training?

Many school districts require annual Bloodborne Pathogen Training because staff may respond to injuries or work with students who have medical needs. Requirements vary by employer.