Examples of the Top Workplace Biological Hazards and What Actions to Take
Written by Staff Writer
From office break rooms to construction sites, every workplace shares one common goal: to keep its people safe. However, safety isn’t just about preventing slips and trips — there’s a quieter challenge lurking in the background.
Biological hazards, ranging from bloodborne pathogens to airborne viruses, can impact employees in ways that aren’t always obvious at first glance. Recognizing where these threats originate and how they spread can make the difference between a thriving workforce and a costly outbreak.
In this article, we’ll explore the key types of biological hazards, provide real-world examples, and highlight strategies to keep employees safe. You’ll also learn why OSHA-compliant training is vital and discover how you can access flexible, online courses to protect yourself and your organization.
What Are Biological Hazards?
A biological hazard, sometimes called a biohazard, refers to any substance produced by a living organism that can threaten human health. Common examples include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, as well as toxins produced by these organisms. In workplace settings, these hazards pose a risk of infection, illness, or allergic reaction.
The chain of infection often provides insight into how these hazards spread. Every pathogen has a source (e.g., an infected person, animal, or contaminated surface) and a route of transmission (e.g., direct contact, airborne droplets, or vectors like insects). Understanding each link in this chain is key to controlling the spread of disease.
Why Biological Hazards Matter in the Workplace
Employee Health and Safety: Acute or chronic infections can arise when workers are exposed to pathogens — sometimes resulting in long-term health complications or high rates of absenteeism.
Legal Compliance: Government agencies such as OSHA mandate specific standards for protecting employees from exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other biological materials. Failing to meet these regulations can lead to citations, fines, or even legal action.
Operational Continuity: Serious outbreaks or infections in the workplace can halt operations for cleaning, investigation, and corrective measures, leading to financial and reputational consequences.
Moral Obligation: Beyond regulatory requirements, safeguarding workers from preventable harm is simply the right thing to do. It helps organizations cultivate a culture of trust, responsibility, and well-being.
7 Common Types of Biological Hazards
Biological hazards span a broad spectrum, but many can be grouped into a few key categories:
Biological Agents
Bacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus)
Viruses (e.g., Hepatitis B, HIV, Influenza)
Parasites (e.g., protozoa, helminths)
Fungi (e.g., mold, yeast)
Biotoxins
Toxins produced by living organisms (e.g., botulinum toxin, ricin, snake venom)
Human Blood, Blood Products and Sharps
Used needles
Scalpel blades
Any item that can penetrate the skin and carry bloodborne pathogens
Other Human Bodily Matter Capable of Carrying Infectious Agents
Saliva
Mucus
Urine
Feces
Vomit
Animal Waste and Animal Products
Animal blood, tissue, or droppings that may harbor pathogens like avian flu, E. coli, or salmonella
Organic Matter
Decaying plant material
Sewage
Garbage
Other materials that can harbor bacteria and fungi
Biting or Stinging Insects
Bees
Mosquitoes
Ticks
Wasps
These can cause allergic reactions or transfer illnesses such as malaria and Lyme disease
Real-World Examples of Workplace Biological Hazards
While it’s impossible to cover every pathogen or toxin, several high-profile examples illustrate how varied and widespread these hazards can be:
Bloodborne Pathogens in Health Care: Health care workers risk exposure to hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV through needlesticks and contact with bodily fluids. Proper disposal of sharps, plus the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), drastically reduces risk.
Mold in Office Buildings: Damp or poorly ventilated spaces can lead to mold growth. Prolonged exposure to mold spores can result in respiratory issues or aggravated allergies, impacting employees’ well-being.
Animal Handling in Agriculture: Farmworkers who process livestock or poultry face potential exposure to diseases like avian influenza, brucellosis, or bacterial pathogens in animal waste.
Food Service Contamination: Kitchen staff can encounter bacteria such as Salmonella or viruses like Hepatitis A when preparing and handling food, putting both employees and the public at risk.
Insect-borne Illnesses Outdoors: Construction or forestry employees may be exposed to ticks that carry Lyme disease or mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus. Insect repellents, proper clothing, and hazard awareness are essential measures.
Identifying and Breaking the Chain of Infection
As the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) point out, controlling biological hazards starts with recognizing each link in the chain of infection.
Infectious Agent — Identify the pathogen: virus, bacteria, parasite, etc.
Reservoir — Determine where the pathogen resides: blood, bodily fluids or surfaces.
Portal of Exit — Figure out how it leaves its host: coughing, bleeding or waste products.
Mode of Transmission — Understand whether it spreads via direct contact, airborne droplets or vectors like insects.
Portal of Entry — Pinpoint how it enters a new host: broken skin, inhalation, ingestion, etc.
Susceptible Host — Recognize who’s most at risk: workers with compromised immunity, limited PPE or no vaccination.
By addressing each link — for example, improving ventilation, wearing gloves, properly disposing of contaminated materials or getting vaccinated — organizations can prevent or minimize disease transmission.
5 Strategies for Preventing Biological Hazards
Administrative Controls
Develop and maintain Exposure Control Plans that detail which workers are at risk and how exposure is mitigated.
Create clear policies for handwashing, sick leave, and vaccination (e.g., for hepatitis B).
Provide training so employees understand how to identify and handle biohazards.
Engineering Controls
Use specialized disposal containers for sharps and contaminated waste.
Install high-efficiency ventilation systems to reduce airborne pathogen spread.
Maintain sanitary facilities like restrooms and handwashing stations.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Provide gloves, gowns, masks, face shields or respirators when necessary.
Ensure PPE fits properly and is suitable for the specific hazard (e.g., fluid-resistant gowns for potential blood exposure).
Work Practice Controls
Enforce proper needle handling techniques (no recapping unless absolutely necessary).
Require thorough cleaning and disinfection schedules for surfaces and equipment.
Train staff on safe handling of blood, bodily fluids or other infectious materials.
Continuous Monitoring and Reporting
Encourage employees to report any incident or near miss.
Regularly review exposure logs, safety audits, and update policies as needed.
The Importance of OSHA-Compliant Training
Even with rigorous safety protocols in place, education remains the most powerful tool for preventing workplace hazards. Understanding how to handle specific risks empowers employees to make informed decisions, recognize potential issues, and respond effectively to exposure incidents.
OSHA has standards covering bloodborne pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030) and other hazards. Compliance with these standards is not only a legal requirement — it’s also a fundamental step in safeguarding employee health and reducing downtime. Tailored, well-designed training programs help workers in:
Identifying the presence of biological hazards
Correctly using PPE
Following exposure protocols
Taking quick action if an incident occurs
Explore Bloodborne Pathogen Training and More
At OSHA Education Center, we offer a range of courses designed to help individuals and organizations comply with OSHA regulations and maintain a safe work environment.
Bloodborne Pathogen Standards: Dive into the specific requirements outlined by OSHA to protect employees from bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate: A 1-hour course covering crucial exposure prevention, mitigation and compliance strategies under 29 CFR 1910.1030. Ideal for anyone with potential exposure to human blood or OPIM.
OSHA 10-Hour General Industry: This entry-level program is perfect for workers in health care, manufacturing, or other general industries. You’ll learn to spot and avoid common workplace hazards, including biological risks.
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry: Targeted at supervisors and experienced professionals, this comprehensive course covers a broad range of safety topics, from hazard communication to advanced risk management.
Each of these training options is 100% online, ensuring you can study at your own pace and access the modules whenever and wherever you need.
How Training Supports Your Workforce
Heightened Awareness: Employees and supervisors who understand the scope of biological hazards are more likely to follow protocols and report potential risks early.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: A formal certification shows regulatory bodies and clients that you take workplace safety seriously and adhere to OSHA standards.
Improved Morale: Workers feel more confident and supported when they know the organization invests in their well-being. Enhanced morale can boost productivity and reduce turnover.
Reduced Healthcare and Liability Costs: Proactively preventing infections and injuries can save on medical bills, lost wages and potential legal liabilities.
Enroll Now to Protect Your Workplace
Biological hazards come in many forms — from viruses and bacteria to insect vectors and contaminated waste. Regardless of your industry, understanding these risks is crucial. By investing in training and implementing robust safety measures, you not only comply with federal regulations but also create a workplace culture rooted in health, respect, and accountability.
Ready to take the next step? Enroll in our Bloodborne Pathogens Certificate course or explore our OSHA 10-Hour General Industry course and OSHA 30-Hour General Industry course for more comprehensive training. Each program is designed to demystify regulations, equip you with the skills to identify and respond to workplace hazards and ultimately protect both your team and your bottom line.
By prioritizing biological hazard awareness, you’ll gain the confidence that everyone — from entry-level employees to top management — knows exactly how to handle potential threats. A safer, healthier and more compliant workplace awaits. Sign up today and stay a step ahead of every biohazard challenge that comes your way.