HEALTH-CARE-INDUSTRY
NEEDLESTICKS

NEEDLESTICK INJURIES IN A PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL

Needlestick injuries occurring in a pediatric hospital over a one year period were evaluated. A total of 81 needlestick injuries were reported. Disposable needles and intravenous devices accounted for 83.8% of the sharp injuries. Thirty of the injuries occurred during procedures (withdrawing, insertion, taping, and other), while 51 occurred after procedures (loose sharp disposal, recapping, disassembly, and handing sharp). Highest rates of injury per number of employees were reported in the burn unit, infant toddler unit, neonatal intensive care unit, and operating room. Staff nurses and nurse specialists accounted for 59 of the injuries; injuries were also reported by housekeeping staff, physicians, unit secretaries, and phlebotomists/laboratory techniciansThe authors conclude that continued efforts are needed to track needlestick injury trends as new products are introduced in an attempt to minimize the risk to health care workers.

Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal; 13(4):318-320, 1994. (7 references)

You can do a search of the OSH-DB database and get a list of articles on any topic of interest on our Visitor Search Page. Access to read the articles is limited to OSH-DB subscribers.