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Injury Prevention Resources for Health Care - Needlestick Injuries

Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI) and Ergonomics | Ceiling Lift Resources | Violence | Needlestick Injuries | Infectious Diseases | Latex Allergies | Home Care | Cytotoxic Drugs | General Resources

The following links list tools, publications, and other resources to help prevent the most common injuries and illnesses in the health care industry. These resources may not meet all the requirements for health and safety in British Columbia. Please check the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and related materials for specific WorkSafeBC requirements.

Are you required to use safety-engineered needles? new item

Are you required to use safety-engineered needles? Frequently asked questions by BC Medical Practitioners. This 2-page document provides information about the changes to WorkSafeBC's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) that come into effect on January 1st, 2008.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (56 KB)
(December 2007)

Safer Needle Regulation Poster new item

This poster announces the new Safer Needle Regulations beginning January 1, 2008.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (365 KB)
(October 2007)

Stuck by a Needle Poster new item

This poster provides the reader with information on what to do if they are stuck by a needle.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
* PDF (2 MB) (June 2007)
* PDF in Chinese (298 KB) (November 2007)

Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention

The large number of links are grouped in the following categories: OSHA Standards, Recognition, Possible Solutions, Post-Exposure Evaluations, and others.
Source: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationA)
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Needlestick Injuries

"Needlestick injuries are wounds caused by needles that accidentally puncture the skin. Needlestick injuries are a hazard for people who work with hypodermic syringes and other needle equipment. These injuries can occur at any time when people use, disassemble, or dispose of needles. When not disposed of properly, needles can become concealed in linen or garbage and injure other workers who encounter them unexpectedly."
Source: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
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Selecting, Evaluating, and Using Sharps Disposal Containers

"The primary route of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens is percutaneous injury (i.e., NSI). Health care workers (HCWs) handle sharp devices and equipment such as hypodermic and suture needles, intravenous blood collection devices, phlebotomy devices, and scalpels."
Source: NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
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