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NEEDLESTICKS

OVERVIEW

Protect Yourself: Shocking Facts About Needlestick Injuries and How to Stay Safe

Healthcare heroes face a hidden danger every day: needlestick injuries.
 
Shockingly, 1 in 5 healthcare workers experiences this each year, exposing them to potentially life-threatening infections like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis
 
Underreporting is another alarming issue. Only an estimated 1 in 3 needlesticks are even reported, highlighting a critical need for awareness and action. But there’s hope! By using safety-engineered devices and following simple precautions, over 90% of these injuries can be prevented. Here’s what you need to know:
  • What are needlestick injuries?
    • A break in the skin from a contaminated needle or sharp object.
  • How do they happen?
    • During use, disposal, or even recapping needles (which is illegal and dangerous).
  • Who is at risk?
    • Any healthcare worker handling sharps, including nurses, phlebotomists, doctors, and technicians.
  • How to protect yourself:
    • Demand your employer provide safety-engineered safety products, as mandated by law.
    • Get trained on using them properly.
    • Always use safety devices and dispose of them safely in designated containers.
    • Minimize distractions during procedures.
    • Report all needlestick injuries immediately.
    • Get vaccinated against hepatitis B (often free from your employer).
Together, we can create safer workplaces and protect the heroes who care for us. Share this information, talk to your employer, and be proactive in preventing needlestick injuries.