Causes of Needlestick Injury

What Causes Needlestick Injury?

Needlestick or sharps injuries occur when a needle or other sharp instruments such as scalpels, blades and glass penetrate the skin. The circumstances leading to a needlestick injury depend on the way it has been handled. The most common causes of needlestick injury in the workplace are:

• Not using personal protective equipment – masks, aprons and gloves should always be worn if splashes with blood or body fluids are anticipated
• Non compliance with standard infection control procedures – steps must be taken to reduce the risk of injury such as using instruments to grasp needles or load/unload scalpels and avoiding hand to hand passage of sharps
• Inadequate disposal of clinical waste – separating sharps from other waste products is of paramount importance as well as the avoidance of carrying waste bags close to the body
• Over filling of sharps bins – sharps must always be placed in rigid puncture resistant containers to be replaced routinely (ideally at three quarters full) and never overfilled
• Insufficiently trained staff – employers must monitor exposure to risk and provide information and training. Instruction on measures to be taken in the event of an injury should also be provided
• Recapping needles after use – workers should never move an exposed needle tip towards an unprotected hand. In situations where recapping is necessary, safe approaches need to be developed which workers can follow

In general, needlestick injuries are caused by preventable mistakes in handling such devices. There are a number of laws that require employers to protect their workers from needlestick and sharps injuries. The overarching law is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 which requires employers to provide a safe working environment together with safe equipment, training, information and instructions on safe systems of work.

Should you decide to pursue a claim for compensation you will need to prove that your employer failed to adhere to their legal obligations. Our specialist solicitors can help you in this process, we can provide free confidential advice and there is no obligation to proceed. The number to call is 0800 028 2060.

Call us now on 0800 028 2060 or click here to start your claim.