An estimated 600,000 - 800,000 needlestick injuries (nsi) occur annually in the
United States. About half of these injuries go unreported. An average hospital
incurs approximately 30 worker nsi per 100 beds per year. Most reported nsi
involve nursing staff, but lab staff, physicians, housekeepers, and other
healthcare workers are also injured. Some of these injuries expose workers to
bloodborne pathogens, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Infection
with any of these pathogens is potentially life-threatening.
The risk of infection from hepatitis is much greater than the risk from HIV and
while there is an immunization to prevent Hepatitis B, and post-exposure
prophylaxis and treatment for HIV, there is currently no recommended prophylaxis
or effective treatment for Hepatitis C. The only solution is to prevent
exposure. Safer devices have been shown to reduce needlestick injuries by 80%.
Frontline healthcare worker involvement is essential for a comprehensive
analysis of injury hazard, the selection of clinically appropriate devices and
for the successful implementation of a change to safer products.
From 'Occupational Health and Safety,' by Susan
Wilburn, MPH, RN
From the American Journal of Nursing
A Culture of Safety
Nurses can take an active role in preventing needlestick injuries
On the Web
NeedleStick.org
