Final answer:
The claim that syphilis is the greatest occupational risk for healthcare workers is false. Blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis and HIV pose greater risks due to needlestick injuries. Syphilis is an STI caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the greatest occupational risk to health care workers is syphilis is False. The greatest risks to health care workers are actually blood-borne pathogens, including hepatitis and HIV, due to potential exposures to infected blood, particularly through needlestick injuries. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which can be serious if left untreated but is not the primary occupational risk for healthcare workers.