[Occupational exposure to biological agents and the protection of exposed workers according to the new legal regulations]

Abstract

Directive 2000/54/EC deals thoroughly with issues referring to the protection of workers from risks related to occupational exposure to biological agents in the European Union. The ordinance of the Minister of Health on harmful biological agents at work and the protection of exposed workers implements its content into Polish legislation. This paper reviews essential records of the ordinance: definition of biological agents; classification of biological agents into four risk groups according to their level of risk of infection; employers' obligations concerning the protection of workers exposed to biological agents. The results of Phare project supporting implementation of the directive in Poland regarding distribution of information on occupational exposure to biological agents among State Sanitary Inspection and occupational medicine service staff and employers are also presented.