Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) SLC Practice Exam

What action should healthcare workers take regarding unrecognized biohazardous materials?

1. Handle them without fear

2. Report them to supervisors

3. Leave them alone

4. Dispose them in regular trash

The correct answer is: Report them to supervisors

Reporting unrecognized biohazardous materials to supervisors is a critical action for healthcare workers as it ensures the safety of all personnel and patients in the facility. By notifying a supervisor, workers help initiate a proper assessment and response to the potential hazard. This reporting contributes to maintaining a safe environment by allowing trained personnel to evaluate and address the situation in accordance with established safety protocols. Handling unrecognized biohazardous materials without caution could expose healthcare workers and others to serious health risks, while leaving them alone does not mitigate the potential danger they pose. Disposing of such materials in regular trash is also highly inappropriate, as it can lead to environmental contamination and risk of exposure for waste handlers. By opting to report the materials, healthcare workers play an essential role in the overall safety and health of their workplace.