What type of controls are designed to reduce the likelihood of exposure incidents?

Engineering and work practice controls are specifically designed to minimize the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens in occupational settings. Engineering controls involve the use of equipment or devices that isolate or remove the hazard itself, such as sharps disposal containers, safety needles, and ventilation systems that prevent the spread of infectious agents. These take a proactive approach to eliminate or reduce hazards before they can cause exposure.

Work practice controls, on the other hand, focus on changing the way tasks are performed to reduce exposure. This can include proper handwashing techniques, using the correct protocols for cleaning and disposing of contaminated materials, and utilizing protective equipment effectively. These practices ensure that employees are acting in ways that minimize their risk of coming into contact with potentially infectious materials.

In contrast, although physical and environmental controls can help improve workplace safety, they do not specifically target the mechanisms through which exposures occur. Similarly, personal controls may focus on individual behavior rather than systematic approaches to reduce exposure risks, and procedural controls usually rely on policies and guidelines that might not directly mitigate exposure incidents on their own. Therefore, the combination of engineering and work practice controls is the most effective method for significantly reducing the likelihood of exposure incidents.