Needlestick Injuries
Needlestick injuries in the workplace
A needlestick injury is a break in the skin from a needle or other "sharp" instrument such as a scalpel. This type of injury usually occurs on the finger, but can also puncture the hand, arm, or foot. Commonly encountered by people handling needles in the medical setting, such needlestick injuries in the workplace are an occupational hazard in the medical community.
Individuals who work in health care, emergency response, public safety, or in settings where they are exposed to human blood through needlestick and other sharps injuries have an elevated risk of contracting bloodborne infectious diseases. This can include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Needlestick injuries are not limited to the medical community. Any environment where sharps are encountered poses a risk. Other factors that contribute to needlestick injuries include lack of safety devices, overfilled sharps disposal containers, busy environments with heavy work pressure, and frequent and distracting interruptions.
Protecting workers from needlestick injuries
Most needlestick injuries can be prevented with the use of safety devices. In conjunction with worker education and training, and work practice controls, this can greatly reduce these types of injuries. Proper disposal of needles and other sharp devices is also an important part of preventing needlestick injuries in the workplace. Concentra's on-site consulting and training services can help you identify the best controls and practices (in full compliance with ADA, DOT, OSHA, FMLA, HIPAA, and many other regulatory agencies) to prevent accidental exposure to blood and other body fluids. We can also assist in providing health education and training to your employees to ensure the proper implementation of these practices.
