The purpose of the Bloodborne

Pathogens Standard is to limit health care worker exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials by requiring implementation of engineering controls (eg, use of safety-engineered devices) and work practice controls (eg, use of a neutral zone for passing sharps).12 The additional legislation in 2000 directed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to make multiple revisions to the existing Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act includes requirements that annual review of exposure control plans also should “reflect changes in technology that eliminate or reduce exposure to bloodborne pathogens.”2 Because medical technology is constantly changing and improving, more devices are becoming available that can help reduce sharps injuries.13 In addition to AORN, a number of professional associations have find more issued statements supporting sharps injury prevention practices. These associations include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,14 the American College of Surgeons,15 the Association of Surgical Technologists,16

and the Council on Surgical and Perioperative Safety.17 In 2012, the International Healthcare Worker Safety Center at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, released a consensus statement endorsed by 20 organizations citing improved sharps safety in surgical settings as the highest priority in reducing percutaneous Lonafarnib manufacturer sharps injuries.18 Three governmental agencies, the US Food and Drug Administration, the National Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and OSHA, issued a joint safety communication in May 2012 encouraging the use of blunt-tip suture needles.19 Accrediting bodies (eg, The Joint Commission, the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) and regulatory organizations (eg, OSHA, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) may survey for sharps safety during visits to health care facilities. Key points in a survey could include review of the exposure control plan, which must be in compliance with the federal legislation and should meet the criteria

established in the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act.13 Surveyors also may look to ensure that sharps containers are located close to the point of use and glove boxes and personal protective equipment (PPE) are placed in convenient locations. Other potential points in a survey include a review of policies, sharps injury logs, and documentation of safety training. Surveyors may observe use of PPE and question personnel about safety procedures.20 Implementing a sharps injury prevention program can be a challenging process in any setting. The “Recommended practices for sharps safety” provides information that can assist with developing a bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan11; eliminating the hazards; and implementing engineering controls, work practice controls, and administrative controls.