Needle Stick Work Injury: How to Protect Yourself in the Nursing Field

Needle stick injuries aren’t just painful for healthcare workers; they’re life threatening. A needle stick injury from a used syringe or needle can carry blood-borne pathogens, infecting the victim with disease-ridden microorganisms that can cause HIV, hepatitis and other serious conditions. According to the American Nursing Association, 64 percent of nurses report being accidentally stuck with a needle or syringe. Of those, a whopping 74 percent say the needle was contaminated.

If you’re working with needles and syringes, it’s imperative you take the proper safety precautions to ensure you don’t suffer a needle stick work injury. Richmond Workers’ Compensation attorney, Michele Lewane, recommends these safety tips:

• use needles that have built-in safety controls, such as ones with self-sheathing needles;
• when possible, use needleless devices;
• limit interruptions when using a needle;
• participate in all workplace safety training, and ensure you know proper handling and disposal procedures;
• don’t bend, recap or break a contaminated needle; and
• ask for assistance if you have a difficult or uncooperative patient. 

Did you suffer a work injury as a nurse? Call 804-755-7755 or 877-755-7744 to speak to a Richmond Workers’ Compensation attorney at the Injured Worker’s Law Firm today. Check out our book, The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia, to learn more.