Sharps Safety for Healthcare Settings

September 2018

Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens from needlesticks and other sharps injuries is a serious problem, but is often preventable. Sharps injuries are primarily associated with occupational transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but they may be implicated in the transmission of more than 20 other pathogens. OSHA estimates that 5.6 million workers in the healthcare sector and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Preventing needlestick injuries is the best way to protect yourself from these infections. Any worker who may come in contact with needles is at risk, including nursing staff, doctors, housekeepers,maintenance, etc.

Past studies have shown that needlestick injuries are often associated with these activities:

Recapping needles
Transferring body fluid between containers
Failing to dispose of used needles properly in puncture-resistant sharps containers

To protect yourself from needlestick injuries:

Avoid the use of needles when safe and effective alternatives are available.
Use devices with safety features provided by your employer.
Avoid recapping needles.
Plan for safe handling and disposal of needles before using them.
Promptly dispose of used needles in appropriate sharps disposal containers.
Report all needlestick and sharps-related injuries promptly to ensure that you receive appropriate follow-up care.
Tell your employer about any needlestick hazards you observe.
Participate in training related to infection prevention.
Get a hepatitis B vaccination.

Contaminated sharps must be disposed of in sharps disposal containers immediately or as soon as feasible after use.Contaminated broken glass must not be picked up by hand, but must be cleaned up using mechanical means, such as a brush and dust pan, tongs, or forceps. Sharps disposal containers should be readily accessible and located as close as possible to the area where sharps will be used. Containers also must be available wherever sharps may be found, such as in laundries. The containers must be replaced routinely and not be overfilled, which can increase the risk of needlesticks or cuts. Sharps disposal containers that are reusable must not be opened, emptied, or cleaned manually, or in any other manner that would expose workers to the risk of sharps injury.

Estimates indicate that 600,000 to 800,000 needlestick injures occur each year. Unfortunately, about half of these injuries are not reported. Always report needlestick injuries to your employer to ensure that you receive appropriate follow-up care.

Needlestick injuries are to be recorded on the OSHA 300 Log. This includes all work-related needlestick injuries and cuts from sharp objects that are contaminated with another person’s blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). If this recorded employee injury is later diagnosed with an infectious bloodborne disease, the OSHA 300 log must be updated.

The CDC recommends standard precautions for the care of all patients, regardless of their diagnosis or presumed infection status. These apply to 1) blood; 2) all body fluids, secretions, and excretions, except sweat, regardless of whether or not they contain visible blood; 3) non-intact skin; and 4) mucous membranes.Standard precautions are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms from both recognized and unrecognized sources of infection.Hand washing is the #1 preventive action, as well as personal protective equipment. This is why employees are told to remove contaminated gloves and wash their hands before leaving a resident’s room.

Be Prepared

Organize your work area with appropriate sharps disposal containers within reach.
Work in well-lit areas.
Receive training on how to use sharps safety devices.
Before handling sharps, assess any hazards—get help if needed.

Be Aware