Of the seven police officers who acquired AIDS occupationally between 1981 and 1991, three absorbed infected blood through cuts, wounds, or scrapes on the skin; two from needle-stick injuries; one from a blood transfusion; and one in undescribed circumstances. A total of 31 officers acquired hepatitis B occupationally between 1981 and 1991: eight from absorbing infected blood through cuts, wounds, or scrapes on the skin; six from needle-stick injuries; six from being bitten by suspects; and 11 in undescribed circumstances. Overall, the results indicate that police officers have an extremely small chance of contracting any disease on the job, including hepatitis B and AIDS; they have a greater chance of contracting the hepatitis B virus than HIV. Vaccination can easily prevent infection from hepatitis B in most people. Also, as of March 6, 1992, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that law enforcement agencies offer the vaccination against hepatitis B to all officers who may have contact with body fluids while on the job, at no expense to the officer. OSHA also requires that agencies provide safety equipment to all officers who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. 13 notes