Needlestick and sharps injuries at a German university hospital: epidemiology, causes and preventive potential – a descriptive analysis

Abstract

To analyze the number, epidemiology and circumstances of needlestick and sharps injuries (NSSI) and exposures to body fluids and to identify further preventive measures to improve the occupational safety of health care workers (HCW). Material and Methods: Setting: German university tertiary-care referral center. Retrospective study based on injury documentation sheets of the hospital's staff and faculty health service and, if given, on reports by continuity doctors and by the accident and emergency department in January 2014-June 2016. Results: Altogether, 567 injuries were registered with a significant decrease of cases over the study period. The majority of accidents occurred in the operating theater (35%). Stress, time pressure, overstrain, carelessness and distraction were found to be the main reasons for injuries. At least 30% of the cases were preventable, mainly by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), by proper disposal of an item and by early replacement of overfilled sharps containers (SC). In 20% of the cases involving an item, the injury was caused by a safety-engineered device (SED). Almost one-third of these injuries were attributable to an improper use of the SED. Conclusions: Despite many efforts made to reduce their number, NSSI still occur. Health care workers and students should be offered regular trainings to be sensitized to this topic and to learn the appropriate use of SED. Moreover, organizational measures must be taken, such as the provision of suitable PPE and safe SC. Strategies need to be established to improve the working conditions and reduce the stress level of HCW.

Occupational protection behavior and its influencing factors of newly recruited nurses

“…Nevertheless, exposures of HCW to potentially infectious body material occur. A single-center retrospective study with a large sample size found nearly 16% of cases of nonpreventable occupational exposures [ 1 ], which was similar to another study [ 18 ]. The incidence of occupational exposures such as needlestick injuries among HCW in this study was 13.3%, indicating that the current status of occupational exposures among HCW still cannot be ignored.…”

“…Needlestick and sharps injuries are skin injuries caused by objects contaminated with potentially contagious material [ 1 ]. In addition, skin and mucous membranes can be exposed to potentially infectious body fluids through splashes.…”

“…Within the HCW, the incidence of occupational exposures in nurses is close to 20% [ 1 ], which may be related to inadequate management practices and insufficient educational programs [ 1 , 6 , 9 , 10 ]. With increased awareness of occupational exposures, a range of protective equipment such as gloves, aprons and/or gowns, and eye protection, is an important aspect of infection prevention and control for all HCW, including nurses [ 11 , 12 ].…”

Lesson Learned from a Case of Radioactive Contamination

“…Radioactive laboratories present special safety challenges due to the presence of radioactive sources, isotopes, and devices that emit invisible but highly lethal radiation in the form of α (alpha) particles, β (beta) particles, and γ (gamma) rays. , Exposure to these rays can cause various degrees of radiation biological impacts, leading to specific injuries and potential hazards, such as radiation-induced cancer and genetic effects. , As a result, additional safety precautions beyond those used in regular chemical laboratories are required to prevent long-term harm to humans and the environment.…”

Biohazard Accidents, Harmful Elements to the Wellness of Healthcare Workers, and Their Risk Factors

“…Based on research conducted by occupational health departments in different geographical areas around the world, several potential risk factors have been identified for a healthcare provider to suffer a biohazard accident [ 11 , 12 , 13 ] or to perform an incorrect notification for that matter [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”