There is generally no risk of contracting HIV by working with someone who is HIV-positive. However, in extremely limited circumstances, occupational HIV transmission may be an issue.
People working in healthcare have a greater risk of occupational exposure to HIV than the general workplace. But the risk of HIV transmission for healthcare workers remains negligible except for those involved in surgery procedures. Only 5 cases had been reported across the whole of the UK by 2005 and in almost every case, exposure resulted from a needlestick injury. The Department of Health (DH) has issued special guidance on the employment of HIV-positive healthcare workers. www.dh.gov.uk/Publicationsandstatistics
Unions have been campaigning on the issue of needlestick injuries. Although the incidence of HIV transmission is low, the stress caused through fear of HIV infection is more significant. Hazards magazine has further information on needlestick injuries.
A small number of specialist jobs, such as tattooists and body piercers, also involve a small risk of transmission, but no case has ever been reported.
HIV transmission involving contact with blood and certain other body fluids can be avoided by adopting 'universal precautions'. These include:
