What practices can reduce the risk of sharps injuries among healthcare workers?

Using safety-engineered devices and ensuring proper disposal of sharps are critical practices for reducing the risk of sharps injuries among healthcare workers. Safety-engineered devices are designed with features that minimize the risk of accidents, such as retractable needles, which help to protect users from accidental punctures after use. Additionally, proper disposal of sharps in designated containers reduces the likelihood that these items will cause harm, either to the healthcare workers handling them or to others who might come into contact with improperly disposed sharps.

Implementing these practices not only safeguards individual healthcare workers but also contributes to a culture of safety within the healthcare environment. Furthermore, these proactive measures align with infection control protocols, as they help prevent the transmission of infectious diseases associated with sharps injuries.