OSHA: Needle Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, has standards in place regarding the use of needles in a workplace. These standards are in place to prevent injury to workers in a workplace that involves the use of needles, such as health care facilities, dental offices, and nursing homes. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure all OSHA standards are followed in the workplace.

Background

• There are over eight million health care workers in the United States. OSHA has implemented standards for working with needles to prevent injury to workers. Injuries could include infections and exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Some of these pathogens could be life-threatening.

Infection

• If a worker is exposed to a needle-stick accident involving an infected patient, there is risk of infection to the worker. The amount of risk to the worker is dependent on what type of pathogen is involved, the immunity status of the worker, how severe the injury is, and the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis. Post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for workers exposed to HIV, HBV, and other pathogens.

Injuries

• Even without risk of infection, workers can sustain injuries from a needle-stick accident. Needle devices that have to be taken apart or otherwise manipulated by the worker are more hazardous and pose a greater risk of injury. Injuries can occur when performing tasks such as recapping a needle, transferring a body fluid between containers, and failing to properly dispose of a used needle in a sharps container.

Regulations

• OSHA standards state how to address needle-stick injuries among health care workers. The standards require a written exposure control plan that is intended to eliminate or reduce exposure to blood-borne pathogens. OSHA standards cover personal protective equipment for workers in cases where engineering controls do not eliminate risk of exposure. The standards require free Hepatitis B vaccinations for workers who are exposed to blood-borne pathogens. Worker training regarding safe needle work practices must also be provided by the employer.

Prevention

• To prevent injuries and infections, employers must provide a safe working environment. They should implement engineering controls to reduce or eliminate the workers' exposure to needles and pathogens. Needle devices with safety features should be used when possible. Puncture-proof sharps containers should be provided to properly dispose of used needles. Employees should be trained in how to report injuries involving needles.