제 목 : The International symposium of the ISSA International Section
일 자 : 1995년 10월
제공처 : SAFETY Wordwide
Over 900 specialists from 27 countries met in June 1995 in Paris at
the Symposium on Bloodborne Infections. A total of 75 specialists
presented their latest research results and described practical safety
and health measures.
Cuts and pricks are largely responsible for infections such as
hepatitis and AIDS.
Dr. Gerhard Mehrtens, Director of the German Mutual Accident Insurance
Association for Health Services and Welfare and Chairman of the ISSA
International Section drew attention to the explosive growth in
bloodborne infections in developing countries. His proposal was that "it
is necessary to establish uniform standards and prevention strategies
for the occupational health protection of health service workers
especially in the developing countries, but also in the industrial
nations with a much better social situation".
The experts considered that there are four preventive measures which
are absolutely essential :
o the use of safe systems to prevent injuries due to puncture wounds ;
o the use of suitable personal protective equipment ;
o continuous education at the workplace about these hazards ;
o the highest possible standard of training for medical personnel.
Although immunization against hepatitis B is considered a sensible
measure worldwide, unfortunately one cannot expect vaccines against AIDS
and hepatitis C in the near future.
An interim solution put forward was the "Procedure for determining the
risk of bloodborne infections" drafted by the Section. This provides
support for employers, occupational health physicians and other safety
specialists in the systematization of protective measures.
Dalmer D. Hoskins, the Secretary General of the ISSA, summarized this
first exchange of experience in the following words :
"It is now necessary to approach the public even if it is not an easy
time for occupational safety and health organizations. Inactivity, over
the long term, brings about higher costs than an active approach".
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