181 Healthcare: Sharps Safety

Preventing Injuries

One of the keys in preventing sharp-related injuries is to know when most accident occur and what you can do to prevent them. The following are some examples of high-risk activities in a healthcare setting.

Why Most Injuries Occur

Sharps injuries can be the result of unsafe conditions or work practices that occur before, during, or after the use of a sharp. The area may be cluttered, equipment may be defective or missing, or employee may just be in a hurry.

For example, during patient care the employee may be injured while:

• inserting or withdrawing a needle
• inserting needles into IV lines
• handling or passing sharps

What You Can Do

Knowing what you can do to prevent sharp-related injuries is another key in preventing injuries. Receive training on procedures and organize your work area with appropriate sharps disposal containers within reach. Other safe practices include the following:

• Be responsible for the device you use.
• Work in well-lit areas.
• Before handling sharps, assess any hazards – get help if needed.
• Keep exposed sharps in view.
• Be aware of the people around you.
• Stop if you feel rushed or distracted.
• Focus on your task.
• Avoid hand-passing sharps and use verbal alerts when moving sharps.
• Watch for sharps in linens, beds, on the floor, or in waste containers.
• Activate safety features after use.
• Dispose of devices in rigid sharps containers; do not overfill containers.
• Keep fingers away from the opening of sharps containers.

It is essential to report all sharps injuries and all sharp hazards you observe to your employer. You may help prevent someone else from being injured.

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