The OSHA standard for blood-borne pathogens requires that any employee exposed to blood, or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), follow proper safety precautions when working with needles and other possible contaminated sharps as part of their job duty.

A needle stick or cut from a contaminated sharp is one of the easiest ways health care workers expose themselves to potentially dangerous blood-borne illness, like hepatitis or HIV. Fortunately, most sharps accidents are preventable with the use of proper engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective clothing and equipment.

Handling, Storage and Disposal of Needles and Sharps

The best way to prevent cuts and sticks from sharps is to minimize your contact with them. Follow these safety precautions when handling, storing or disposing of sharps:

  • Never reach into a contaminated sharps container.
  • Never shear or break contaminated sharps.
  • Do not recap, bend or remove needles unless medically necessary. If there is no other alternative, make sure to use a mechanical device or one-handed technique.
  • Dispose of sharps immediately after use.
  • Dispose of contaminated sharps in designated sharps containers only.

Sharps containers should be puncture-resistant, leak-proof and labeled or color-coded red indicating its hazardous contents. Containers for disposable sharps should always have a lid and be maintained in an upright position to keep liquids and sharps inside.

  • Do not place contaminated sharps in a full or overfilled sharps container.
  • Never open, empty or manually clean a reusable sharps disposal container.
  • Close the lid of a contaminated sharps container before disposing of it.
  • Place primary sharps containers in secondary containers for disposal if there is any chance the primary container has a leak. Secondary containers should be closable, labeled or color-coded and leak resistant.

Needle Safety

If you are stuck by a needle or other contaminated sharp, or get blood or OPIM in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on broken skin, immediately flood the exposed area with water and clean any wound with soap and water, or a skin disinfectant, if available. Report the incident to your supervisor and seek immediate medical attention.

For more wellness tips, contact INSURICA today.

This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

INSURICA
INSURICA

Share This Story

Stay Updated

Subscribe to the INSURICA blog and receive the latest news direct to your inbox.

Related Blogs

Making an Acquisition? Why the EMOD Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

August 18th, 2025|Blog, Construction, southwest, Trending|

When acquiring another company, there’s no shortage of factors to consider. From valuing physical assets to estimating potential synergies, the due diligence process can be complex. However, one critical element often overlooked is the EMOD.

2026 Employer Mandate Update

August 14th, 2025|Blog, Employee Benefits, Trending|

In July 2025, the IRS released new guidance increasing both the affordability percentage and penalty amounts under the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate for the 2026 plan year. These changes will affect how Applicable Large Employers (ALEs) determine affordability and assess compliance risk moving into the next benefits cycle.

Facility Rental: Best Practices for Non-School Use

August 13th, 2025|Blog, Education|

As community hubs, school districts often open their doors to outside organizations for events, activities, and gatherings. This facility rental for non-school use can benefit the community, but it also comes with potential risks. School administrators must take proactive steps to protect district property, reduce liability exposure, and ensure compliance with state laws.

Go to Top