Fact Sheet

Needlesticks and Sharps Injuries

As defined by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA): Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

OSHA reports that HCV infection is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States, affecting approximately 4 million people. Hepatitis C infection is caused most commonly by needlestick injuries. HCV infection often occurs with no symptoms, but chronic infection develops in 75 percent to 85 percent of patients, with 70 percent developing active liver disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control in 1998.

Recommendations

Identify all employees whose job exposes them to blood

Housekeeping
Nursing

Write an exposure plan

Provide training to all employees and volunteers whose job responsibilities expose them to blood at no cost to them and during their normal working hours.

Prevent exposure

Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, mask, shoes)
Universal Precautions

Wash hands with soap and water or antiseptic cleanser.
Flush mucous membranes with water if come in contact with blood.

Dispose of PPE (gloves, masks, shoes) in designated area or container for storage, washing, decontamination or disposal.
Use safe needles.
Properly dispose of used needles.