Sharps Injury Log Template

Response: The sharps injury log is used to track devices that are causing injuries and may need to be replaced; it is not intended to track employees having injuries. The log is a valuable surveillance tool for healthcare facilities to identify departments, devices, and/or procedures where injuries are occurring.

Both the OSHA Recordkeeping Rule and the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) require that employers record all work-related needlestick injuries and cuts from sharp objects that are contaminated with another person's blood or other potentially infectious material.

The Sharps Log must contain, at a minimum, information about the injury, the type and brand of device involved in the injury (if known), the department or work area where the exposure occurred, and an explanation of how the incident occurred.

Don't scrub the wound while you are washing it. Don't suck the wound. Dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing. Seek urgent medical advice (for example from your occupational health service) as effective prophylaxis (medicines to help fight infection) are available.

Encourage the wound to gently bleed, ideally holding it under running water. Wash the wound using running water and plenty of soap. Don't scrub the wound while you are washing it. Don't suck the wound. Dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing.

The Sharps Log must contain, at a minimum, information about the injury, the type and brand of device involved in the injury (if known), the department or work area where the exposure occurred, and an explanation of how the incident occurred.

The sharps injury log should include all sharps injuries occurring in a calendar year and must be kept for five years following the end of the year to which it relates. The log must be kept in a manner the preserves the confidentiality of the affected individual.