Final answer:
A) TuberculosisHealthcare workers are required by OSHA to undergo annual testing for Tuberculosis (TB) to prevent exposure and transmission in healthcare settings despite low infection rates in the U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
OSHA requires that healthcare workers be tested annually for Tuberculosis (TB), a highly infectious disease that poses a significant risk in healthcare settings. While other communicable diseases such as influenza, HIV, and Hepatitis B are also concerns in healthcare, it is Tuberculosis that OSHA mandates annual testing for, largely due to the fact that healthcare workers can be at a heightened risk of exposure, especially when working in areas where TB is prevalent.
Even with infection rates being low in the United States, worldwide TB is still a major health issue, with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. For healthcare workers, following OSHA's testing requirements not only helps to protect their health but also safeguards patients by reducing the potential of disease transmission in healthcare environments.OSHA requires healthcare workers to be tested annually for Hepatitis B. In the past, Hepatitis B was a common hazard for healthcare workers, leading to infections and health complications. Although vaccination has reduced the rates of infection, there is still a risk, especially for those working with individuals who have chronic Hepatitis B.