Increase in Sharps Injuries in Surgical Settings Versus Nonsurgical Settings After Passage of National Needlestick Legislation

Abstract

Despite legislation and advances in sharps safety technology, surgical injuries continued to increase during the period that nonsurgical injuries decreased significantly. Hospitals should comply with requirements for the adoption of safer surgical technologies, and promote policies and practices shown to substantially reduce blood exposures to surgeons, their coworkers, and patients. Although decisions affecting the safety of the surgical team lie primarily in the surgeon's hands, there are also roles for administrators, educators, and policy makers.

Scheduling and shift work characteristics associated with risk for occupational injury in newly licensed registered nurses: An observational study

“…As a large workforce engaged in direct care that involves repetitive lifting, turning, and transferring patients as well as injecting medication and inserting intravenous lines, it is easy to appreciate the hazards that nurses face every shift that they work. Despite the variation in national policy, hospital regulation, and health system sophistication, occupational injuries persist among healthcare workers (Griffith, 2013;Jagger et al, 2010).…”

Sharps injuries in ophthalmic practice

“…1 The risks for sharps injuries arise because surgical procedures are often blood intensive, involve manipulation of sharp instruments, and require highly coordinated interactions between members of the surgical team. 5 The unique microsurgical nature of ophthalmic practice presents further risks for sustaining sharps injuries. 6 There is an increased likelihood of instrument mishandling due to the use of fine instruments and sutures.…”

Ongoing Use of Conventional Devices and Safety Device Activation Rates in Hospitals in Ontario, Canada

“…Based on reports from departments outside the operating room in 87 hospitals, PI rates were found to have decreased by 31.6% between 2006 and 2001. (20) Safety devices can be active or passive. Passive devices do not require actions from users; instead, their sharp points are automatically covered.…”