Preventing needlestick injuries

Sharp instruments – needles, scalpels, lancets, or even glass – should be considered potential sources of infectious diseases, particularly those that are bloodborne. A needlestick or a cut from a contaminated sharp can lead to serious consequences for workers. Many diseases, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms can be transmitted by a contaminated sharp. Although needlestick injuries are rare, the risk remains present. Every needlestick is a potential danger, because an injury with a contaminated sharp can lead to infection from the hepatitis B virus, (HBV), the hepatitis C virus (HCV), the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or any number of diseases that have been known to be transmitted by needlesticks. Studies have documented at least 20 different pathogens that could be transmitted by needlesticks. Though many workers fear contracting AIDS, the risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus is greater. 

Needlestick injuries don’t have to happen. The best way to prevent needlesticks and cuts from sharps is to eliminate contact with them. This means that whoever uses the sharp must dispose of the sharp properly and immediately after its use. Employers must provide puncture-resistant containers for sharps disposal. These containers should be located as near as possible to the working or procedure area, preferably within arm’s reach. 

A basic principle of occupational hygiene is controlling hazards at their source. Engineering controls can reduce worker exposure by either removing the hazard or isolating the worker from danger. 

Engineering controls, such as sharps disposal containers, are one type of control at the source. They are not the primary means of controlling exposure to needlesticks. However, trying to control the hazard does not stop with puncture-resistant containers. In addition to the containers, employers should be using safer devices, needle-less systems, or self-sheathing needles which can reduce or prevent needlestick injuries. 

Universal precautions are a method of infection control by which all human blood and body fluids are treated as if they are known to be infectious for bloodborne diseases. They should be used where there is a potential for contact with blood or other infected material. 

Universal precautions recommend that gloves, aprons, or face shields be used for all potential exposure to blood and body fluids. It is important to be aware that personal protective equipment (PPE) is only effective as a barrier to prevent skin, mouth, nose, or eye transmission of bloodborne diseases. PPE can reduce the likelihood of a puncture or cut, but cannot completely eliminate the risk. This is why we must work for procedures to ensure loose sharps are kept out of the workplace. 

Every Canadian worker has three fundamental rights to safeguard their health and safety at work: 

• Workers have the right to know about any dangers present in the workplace. 
• Workers have the right to participate, through the joint health and safety committee, in the day-to-day detection and elimination of workplace hazards. 
• Workers have the right to refuse to work in conditions they believe to be dangerous to their health and safety, without repercussions or fear of reprisals. 

The first priority is to care for the wound. Wash the injured area well with soap or a disinfectant and water to promote gentle bleeding of the area. 

Seek treatment from a healthcare professional as soon as possible after the injury. If you have not had the hepatitis B vaccine, you should discuss the possibility of starting the vaccination procedure immediately. You should also discuss getting a hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) shot unless you know the sharp did not come from an infected source. If possible, try to find where the needle or sharp came from. Was it used? Did it have visible blood? Finally, make sure that all necessary documents are completed, including the injury report, the workers’ compensation report, and any other necessary reports. Make sure that your joint health and safety committee and your union receive copies.