Which job category carries a high risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens?

The category that carries a high risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens is firefighters. This is due to the nature of their work, which often involves responding to emergencies such as accidents, fires, and medical emergencies where they may come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids. Firefighters are trained to handle such situations and must follow specific protocols to protect themselves from infections, including the risk of diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV, which can be transmitted through blood.

In contrast, office workers, construction workers, and retail employees typically do not encounter situations where they would be in close contact with blood or bodily fluids in the course of their regular duties, making the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens much lower for those groups. This distinction highlights the significance of the firefighters' role and the inherent risks involved in their profession.