A review: occupational safety in blood banking—concepts and conundrums

The field of blood banking is grappling with a new facet of regulation and risk. Long accustomed to regulations governing the safety and efficacy of blood products, blood bankers are now anticipating federal regulations on occupational safety. Yet despite all attempts to reduce occupational safety risks-through appropriate procedures introduced by management, diligent efforts by employees, and oversight activities by regulatory agencies-safety remains an elusive quality Just as a truly risk-free society is not obtainable, workplace safety can never be absolute. What then are the goals of occupational safety programs? How should risks be managed in blood banking environments?

This review will attempt to define reasonable goals for worker safety in blood banking. There are different perspectives that must be considered in defining the requirements for safety. The risk of an environment must be understood and accepted by those working in it. In reviewing these concepts, readers will be able to assess what “safety” means to them in their environment and subsequently take appropriate measures to satisfy their own safety requirements and those of regulatory agencies.