Occupational Risk

Occupational Risk for Nurses

The occupational risk of infection is low.

In Canada, there has been only one definite case of occupational transmission, and two probable cases.⁸

• 99.7% of exposure of HIV-infected blood to tissue under the skin would not result in infection. The average risk after an exposure of HIV-infected blood to tissue under the skin (eg. through a needle stick or cut) has been estimated to be approximately 0.3%.
• 99.9% of exposure of HIV-infected blood to mucous membranes would not result in infection. The average risk after an exposure of HIV-infected blood to mucous membranes (eg through a splash to the mouth, nose, or eyes) has been estimated to be approximately 0.1%.⁹,¹⁰

But you still need to protect yourself as a nurse.

The best way for nurses to protect themselves from occupational exposure to HIV infection is to:

1. Learn about HIV and understand the risks.
2. Practice universal precautions and use appropriate personal protection equipments (PPEs) when there is a risk of being exposed to bodily fluids such as blood.
3. Wash hands with soap and water during the 4 moments of hand hygiene.

   1. Before contact with patient or patient's environment.

   2. After contact with patient or patient's environment.

   3. Before a sterile procedure.

   4. After exposure to bodily fluids.

4. Practice safe disposal of sharps, including needles.
5. Practice safe disposal of bodily fluids.
6. Use appropriate disinfectants to clean up spills of blood and other bodily fluids.
7. Practice safe handling of contaminated linens.

Fact: HIV cannot survive for long outside of the body. Research has shown that even high concentrations of HIV (much higher than the amount found in blood and bodily fluids) are reduced by 90 to 99% within a few hours after exposure to air.¹¹

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