[Human immunodeficiency virus in the work environment]

This paper addresses the problem of occupational risk assessment of HIV infections and presents current data on HIV prevention. The risk of HIV infection is much lower than the probability of other infectious diseases that create an important medical problem in Poland. Nevertheless, it is a real hazard, involving not only medical, but also psychological, educational and social aspects. As yet there has been no documented case of occupational HIV infection in Poland, but health care workers should be aware of the HIV infection risk and should apply all possible preventive measures.