Key points: - An incidence of 6.9 blood-exposure incidents (BEIs) per 100 hospital beds, representing nearly 32,000 reported BEIs each year. - The serological status of the source patient remains unknown in a quarter of cases. - Nearly one in two BEIs is reported by nursing staff; a significant proportion of affected students are in paramedical or medical training programs. - Injection remains the most common cause (nearly one in five BSE); the risk associated with insulin pens is not under control. - Nearly one in two BSE is preventable by adhering to standard precautions. (R.A.)