December is National Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to remind workers to follow safety protocols where needles and other medical sharps are used.
To participate in this month, review protocols and safety measures regarding sharp tools used in the workplace. This is also the perfect time to train employees on how to avoid sharp injuries.
What Is A Sharp Injury?
A sharp injury is a piercing or penetrating wound or injury caused by a sharp object. Sharp objects can include needles, scalpels, knives, etc. Sharp injuries expose the victim to blood or other bodily fluids.
Sharps injuries can be caused by many factors. Some factors may include:
- A fast-paced, stressful environment
- Rushing or not paying attention
- Improper management of sharps
- Lack of training
- And fatigue
Avoiding Sharps Injuries!
There are many tips for avoiding sharps injuries. Some sharps can be replaced with safer tools equipped with built-in safety features. Safety features may include retractable mechanisms, needleless systems, or other safety features that minimize or eliminate exposure to the sharp point.
Avoid unnecessary sharps by considering alternative methods that may not require the use of sharps. If sharps are required to get a task or job done, receive training and follow safe handling procedures.
Dispose of sharps in designated, puncture-resistant sharps containers.
What Do I Do If I Experience A Sharps Injury?
If a minor sharps injury occurs, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Wash the wound with soap and water for a minimum of 30 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Step 2: Cover the wound with a clean dressing, bandage, or adhesive plaster.
If a severe sharps injury occurs, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Wash the wound gently for a minimum of 30 seconds with soap and water.
- Step 2: Apply pressure to the wound if bleeding continues.
- Step 3: Report the incident to your supervisor; a accident report may need to be filled out.
- And Step 4: Seek medical attention.
Resources
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) provides a Workbook for Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Sharps Injury Prevention Program that employers can use to integrate into existing safety programs.
OSHA provides recording criteria for needlestick and sharps injuries to help employers ensure their records and recording procedures are complaint and accurate.
JJ Safety provides hundreds of safety meetings including sharps safety.
Conclusion
National Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month is a critical reminder on the importance of safety in the healthcare setting. Raising awareness can help promote better practices, effective safety protocols, and can help ensure at risk industries are provided with tools and the knowledge to protect themselves.