Needlestick/Sharps Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 385,000 sharps injuries occur annually to hospital employees.
Potential Hazards
Exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) because of:
- unsafe needle devices
- improper handling and disposal of needles and other sharps
Possible Solutions
- Use safer needle devices and needleless devices to decrease needlestick or other sharps exposures.
- Properly handle and dispose of needles and other sharps according to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-2. How might health care workers be exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)?
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