Problem
Despite ongoing efforts to curb needlesticks among healthcare workers in the U.S., the incidence of needlesticks remains high. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 384,000 sharp injuries take place each year in hospital settings. This number does not account for needlesticks in emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, home-based care, nursing homes and other healthcare settings.
Additionally, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) estimates that 5.6 million workers in the healthcare industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens including HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and up to twenty other infections. The CDC estimates that between 62 and 88 percent of sharps injuries can be prevented by using safer devices.