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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.

Wash needlesticks and cuts with soap and water. Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water. Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile irrigants. Report the incident to your supervisor.

§ 1904.8 Recording criteria for needlestick and sharps injuries. (a) Basic requirement. You must record all work-related needlestick injuries and cuts from sharp objects that are contaminated with another person's blood or other potentially infectious material (as defined by 29 CFR 1910.1030).

The purpose of this rule (part 1904) is to require employers to record and report work-related fatalities, injuries, and illnesses.

Only through reporting incidents can hospitals perform accurate risk assessments, allowing them to channel their efforts and reduce the danger for healthcare workers and patients alike.

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) as amended pursuant to the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act of 2000, prescribes safeguards to protect workers against the health hazards caused by bloodborne pathogens.

The sharps injury log must include the specified minimum information regarding the device involved (if known), the location of the incident, and the description of the events that resulted in the injury.

Sharps Injuries: Completing the Injury Report Date and time of the exposure. Procedure or action being performed during the injury. Specific information about the exposure (e.g., profession, department or unit, shift, injury to user or non-user, etc.) Specific type of device being used, if known indicate brand and model.