A needlestick or sharps injury occurs when someone un-intentionally pierces or scratches their skin with a hypodermic or other needle. Although needlestick injuries occur most frequently in the health services, they can happen to unsuspecting people anywhere due to discarded syringes used by drug addicts.
Anyone knowingly or unknowingly who comes into contact with an implement used by a person that may have been exposed to infected blood or bodily fluids may be at risk. The contaminated blood or fluids would need to be transferred in some way either by a needle sticking into the flesh or scraping the skin.
Who are the people most at risk?
Those most at risk work within the health services area – whether the NHS, private or occupational. They are in constant contact with sick and injured people. Others in high risk categories might be: law enforcement, fire brigade, prison and probation services, council workers, postmen/women, cleaners, park attendants, customs officers and people engaged in body piercing and tattooing.
It might include anyone who attends an incident in the street or at work as they may be at risk of contamination if any contact is made where there is transfer of bodily fluids.
So why the concern and exactly what are the risks?
The problem is blood borne viruses or BBVs as they are commonly known. BBVs may be transmitted by a needlestick injury or splash. Starting with the most serious these include:
- HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus – No protective vaccine available.
- HCV – Hepatitis C Virus – No protective vaccine available.
- HBV – Hepatitis B Virus – Effective Vaccine is available for this virus.
It is important to stress here that the risk of infection from BBVs is considered very low and whilst there are no vaccines available to treat the more serious cases, they are treated by using prophylaxis treatment. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of success and the actual treatment can have some unpleasant side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and fatigue.
What to do if one of your staff has sustained a needlestick injury/or splash
- Contaminated needlestick, sharps injury, bite or scratch – encourage bleeding; wash with soap and running water.
- Blood or body fluid in eyes nose or mouth – irrigate with copious quantities of cold water.
- Blood or body fluid on broken skin – encourage bleeding if possible and wash with soap under running water (but without scrubbing).
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible at your local hospital where treatment can be discussed and blood samples taken. Additional support will be available from the Occupational Health service within your company.
How to help reduce the risk of needlestick/splash injuries
- Always follow company guidelines and use whatever protective equipment is available and recommended.
- Don’t cut corners – take your time when involved in procedures using and/or disposing of needles.
- Be vigilant at all times.
- Even if you are not involved in health services work be aware of the dangers.
- Treat hazardous waste with respect.
As a manager, it is important to be aware of the psychological impact of a needlestick injury. Needlestick injuries raise major concerns for the victim about health, which can be a strain on the employee and their family/relationships. This can involve constant worry about the possible consequences, such as intrusive thoughts about the ‘what if’ which can be hard to switch off.
Anxiety about the situation may cause absence from work due to the stressful nature of the problem. Waiting for results of blood tests and final tests some weeks down the line can become quite debilitating.
The information above is generic advice. You should always ensure that your company policy and protocols are followed and seek medical advice following a needlestick injury.
