Workplace Injury or Exposure

Important Note: Bloodborne pathogen exposures and nonhuman primate exposures require different immediate action. Click the link below for those instructions.

What to Do: Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure

What to Do: Nonhuman Primate Exposure

If you experience a workplace injury or exposure that is not related to bloodborne pathogens or nonhuman primate exposures, take the following steps.

1. Perform Immediate First Aid

Administer first aid appropriate for the injury or exposure.

For cuts, bites, scratches, punctures, needlesticks, or other skin injuries, wash the affected area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water.
For an eye exposure, remove contact lenses and flush the eyes with clean water or saline for 15 minutes. Do not reinsert contact lenses until approved by a healthcare provider. Discard disposable lenses.
For another mucous membrane exposure, flush the affected area with clean water or saline for 15 minutes.
For contact with intact skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water.

2. Seek Medical Evaluation

For a life-threatening emergency, call the Georgetown University Police Department at 202-687-4343 to activate emergency medical services.
For a non-emergent workplace injury or exposure, employees may seek medical evaluation through an emergency department, urgent care center, or their primary care provider, as appropriate.

Do not delay emergency care to complete notifications or paperwork.

3. Notify Your Supervisor

Notify your supervisor promptly after an injury or exposure. If immediate medical attention is required, notification may occur while you are en route or after emergency care has been initiated.
Notify Occupational Health of animal-related injuries, bites, scratches, exposures, suspected occupational illnesses, allergic reactions, or other health concerns related to an occupational exposure.