Community Corner
Andover Conducts Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Staff
The Town of Andover recently provided a critical occupational safety related training focusing on protection from bloodborne diseases to 27 municipal employees. The three-hour Bloodborne Pathogens for Municipal Employees training, held on August 22 at Wood Hill Middle School, was designed for school employees, including nurses and custodians, as well as public safety personnel who could potentially be exposed to blood and other bodily fluids. The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), Andover’s property and casualty insurance provider, presented the training free of charge.
During the training, participants learned about bloodborne diseases – such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV – and how they are transmitted from person to person. The session covered U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for prevention and protection from infection, including proper disinfection, correct management of bio-hazardous waste, and steps to take in case of accidental exposure. The instructor also provided a sample program for management of bloodborne pathogens in schools.
The training was led by Maxine Garbo, a nurse and trainer from the Massachusetts Division of Labor Standards with 20 years of experience in the health field – including extensive knowledge of worker health protection and standards. Upon completion of the Bloodborne Pathogens training and other MIIA risk- and loss-prevention programs, Andover is eligible to receive insurance premium credits through the MIIA Rewards Programs, reducing its property and casualty insurance costs.
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About MIIA
MIIA is the non-profit, member-based insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) insuring nearly 400 cities, towns, and other public entities in the state. In fiscal year 2013, nearly 8,000 city and town employees participated in nearly 400 MIIA-sponsored technical trainings and management seminars offered throughout the state. Member municipalities' efforts yielded more than $2.5 million of premium credit collectively through the MIIA Rewards incentive program for a 11-year total of over $19.8 million. For more information please visit www.emiia.org and www.mma.org.
