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).
