Needlestick Prevention Devices: A Pointed Discussion

1992 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 295-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Crow ◽  
Lee Wugofski
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Bloodborne Pathogens ◽  
Hiv Epidemic ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Ultimate Question ◽  
Selection Of

Institutions and employees in the healthcare industry recently have been flooded with a variety of new preventive devices, with the promise of reducing the risk of needlestick accidents. With the known risk of occupational human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the greater risk of morbidity and mortality of occupational hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, it is hard not to get swept away by the tsunami of “safer devices.” The ultimate question of course, is whether these new or improved products actually contribute to the reduction of accidents and diminish the transmission of these diseases. With the demand for safer working conditions in the context of the HIV epidemic and in times of shrinking budgets, the safest and most cost-effective devices must be determined. Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) final ruling on occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens may not directly address the issue of needlestick prevention devices, institutions should be prepared to justify their practices and selection of equipment, given its emphasis on engineering and work practices that states “Engineering and work practice controls shall be used to eliminate or minimize employee exposure.”

scholarly journals Workplace Health in Kentucky: A Statewide Comparison

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5473
Author(s):  
Gretchen Macy ◽  
Jacqueline Basham ◽  
Cecilia Watkins ◽  
Vijay Golla
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Workplace Health Promotion ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Occupational Safety And Health ◽  
Workplace Health ◽  
Positive Direction ◽  
Research Software ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Statewide Assessment

The objectives of this study were to assess the state of Kentucky’s workplace health promotion and occupational safety and health programs, to ensure the ability to comprehend any possible trends over the past six years in the state’s progress in offering workplace health promotion and health protection programs, to compare the results of this survey with the 2013 Kentucky state-wide assessment, and to identify gaps in Kentucky’s workplace health promotion and occupational safety and health based on Total Worker Health® (TWH) concepts. Using Qualtrics research software, the Workplace Health in America assessment was sent to companies located in Kentucky and having 10 or more employees. Participants were identified using Dun and Bradstreet’s Hoover’s database. The results showed that, as with the 2013 survey, larger workplaces significantly were more likely to offer workplace health promotion programs than smaller companies (X2 = 24.30; p < 0.001). However, more companies (78%) reported offering programs compared to the 2013 assessment (49%). Given the results of the current study as compared to the statewide assessment conducted in 2013, Kentucky’s WHP is moving in a positive direction; yet, there is still much to be done. There remains a strong need to provide cost-effective and accessible resources for all elements of TWH to small workplaces.

Results from a Large-Scale Epidemiologic Look-Back Investigation of Improperly Reprocessed Endoscopy Equipment

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (07) ◽  
pp. 649-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Holodniy ◽  
Gina Oda ◽  
Patricia L. Schirmer ◽  
Cynthia A. Lucero ◽  
Yury E. Khudyakov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Bloodborne Pathogens ◽  
Medical Centers ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Viral Testing ◽  
Veterans Affairs Medical Centers ◽  
High Level ◽  
Nose And Throat

Objective.To determine whether improper high-level disinfection practices during endoscopy procedures resulted in bloodborne viral infection transmission.Design.Retrospective cohort study.Setting.Four Veterans Affairs medical centers (VAMCs).Patients.Veterans who underwent colonoscopy and laryngoscopy (ear, nose, and throat [ENT]) procedures from 2003 to 2009.Methods.Patients were identified through electronic health record searches and serotested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Newly discovered case patients were linked to a potential source with known identical infection, whose procedure occurred no more than 1 day prior to the case patient's procedure. Viral genetic testing was performed for case/proximate pairs to determine relatedness.Results.Of 10,737 veterans who underwent endoscopy at 4 VAMCs, 9,879 patients agreed to viral testing. Of these, 90 patients were newly diagnosed with 1 or more viral bloodborne pathogens (BBPs). There were no case/proximate pairings found for patients with either HIV or HBV; 24 HCV case/proximate pairings were found, of which 7 case patients and 8 proximate patients had sufficient viral load for further genetic testing. Only 2 of these cases, both of whom underwent laryngoscopy, and their 4 proximates agreed to further testing. None of the 4 remaining proximate patients who underwent colonoscopy agreed to further testing. Mean genetic distance between the 2 case patients and 4 proximate patients ranged from 13.5% to 19.1%.Conclusions.Our investigation revealed that exposure to improperly reprocessed ENT endoscopes did not result in viral transmission in those patients who had viral genetic analysis performed. Any potential transmission of BBPs from colonoscopy remains unknown.

scholarly journals NSI: A major occupational hazards among the health care workers in Nepal

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaita Mondal
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Body Fluid ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Needle Stick Injury ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
B Virus

A percutaneous piercing wound as in needle stick injury is a typically set by a needle point, but possibly also by other sharp instruments or objects. These events are of concern because of the risk to transmit blood-borne diseases through the passage of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus which causes AIDS. The present study was done to determine the risk status regarding NSI among health care workers of Private Hospitals, Pokhara, Nepal. Samples were selected through purposive sampling. Self administered questionnaire & risk assessment tool were used to collect data. Study revealed that majority of health care workers were females (93%) with mean age of 22.66 years (±3.1). Sixty eight percent had got NSI, among them 41% had NSI more than 2times in life. Maximum NSI cases happened either by recapping of the needle (18%) or during disposal of sharps (16%) or while transferring a body fluid (blood) to a specimen bottle (15%). The study concludes that majority of health workers had NSI more than two times which denotes NSI is a major occupational hazard. Cases happened either by recapping of the needle or during disposal of sharps or while transferring a body fluid to a specimen bottle. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i1.9098   International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 3 No 1 (2013) 22-25

scholarly journals IMPLEMENTASI SMK3 STANDARD ILO 2001 PADA SALAH SATU PERUSAHAAN GALANGAN KAPAL

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 144-152
Author(s):  
Syafira Bella Maudica ◽  
Hanifa Maher Denny ◽  
Bina Kurniawan
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Method ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Five Elements ◽  
Environmental Work ◽  
Selection Of

Sistem manajemen keselamatan dan kesehatan kerja (SMK3) adalah bagian dari sistem manajemen perusahaan yang mengelola pekerja sebagai sumber daya manusia dan sarana produksi sebagai sumber daya fisik sebagai upaya untuk mencegah kecelakaan dan penyakit akibat kerja. Adanya beberapa kecelakaan kerja di galangan kapal, membuat peneliti tertarik untuk melihat bagaimana penerapan SMK3 di industri galangan kapal. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui implementasi Sistem Manajemen Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja di industri galangan kapal dan untuk mengetahui pencapaian lima elemen SMK3 di PT. X yang merupakan salah satu galangan kapal berdasarkan ILO 2001.  Metode penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan instrument evaluasi audit berdasarkan ILO OSHMS 2001. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan kuesioner menggunakan "googleform" serta mereview dokumen K3 dan lingkungan kerja perusahaan melalui pesan online. Kuesioner dibagikan kepada 34 responden yang merupakan karyawan PT. X menggunakan teknik sampling proporsional representatif. Teknik analisis menggunakan tabulasi audit untuk mengetahui pemenuhan kriteria SMK3. Hasil evaluasi audit menunjukkan bahwa PT. X telah mencapai 87,5%. Angka ini berasal dari pemenuhan kriteria 140 dari 160 kriteria. Tingkat pencapaian elemen kebijakan 93,75%, pengorganisasian 74,75%, perencanaan dan implementasi 87,5%, evaluasi 97,5% dan tindakan perbaikan 87,5%. PT. X sebaiknya segera melakukan pelatihan K3 dan menyediakan sumber daya yang cukup dalam penerapan SMK3. Abstract[Implementation of OSHMS Based On ILO 2001 in Shipyard Company] Occupational safety and health management system (OSHMS) is part of company management systems, intended to prevent accident, illness and property damage. This research objective was to determine the achievement of five elements of ILO OSHMS 2001 in a n shipyard company of PT. X. The researchers used a quantitative method utilizing the audit evaluation instruments based on the ILO OSHMS 2001. The data collection used the Google Forms to substitute the interview process. Furthermore, the investigators reviewed the company's OSH documents and environmental work place by online massage. The selection of 34 respondents from PT. X utilized a purposive sampling technique. Finally, the researchers tabulated the data into the ILO OSHMS 2001 audit tabulation form to determine the fulfilment of ILO OSHMS 2001 criteria. The audit results showed PT. X reached 87.5% or the fulfilment of the 140 criteria out of 160 standards. The level of achievement of policy elements is 93.75%, organizing 74.75%, planning and implementation 87.5%, evaluation 97.5% and corrective action 87.5%. PT. X should better conduct OSH training immediately and provide sufficient resources in the application of ILO OSHMS 2001.Keyword: ILO OSHMS 2001; OSHMS audit; shipyard

Recent Developments in Health Law

1994 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-92
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
The United States ◽  
Occupational Safety And Health ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Bloodborne Pathogens ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Safety And Health

In American Dental Association v. Martin, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit reviewed a challenge to a rule of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In December, 1991, OSHA passed a standard to protect health care workers from viruses transmitted by blood—bloodborne pathogens—including the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the human immunodeficiency virus, the virus known to cause AIDS. Three health care organizations, whose members are dentists, medical personnel firms, and home health employers, petitioned the court to review OSHA's rule.The Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed to assure employees that they would have as safe and healthy a working environment as feasible. Congress sought to ensure this by vesting the Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health with the authority to promulgate mandatory safety and health standards. In promulgating standards concerning toxic materials or harmful physical agents, the secretary sets rules that most adequately assure that an employee will not suffer a material impairment of health or functional capacity while performing work-related duties.

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Enforcement at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration: The First Twenty-Five Years

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-185
Author(s):  
Amber Hogan Mitchell ◽  
Michael A. Pannell ◽  
Sheila Arbury ◽  
Richard Thomas ◽  
Michael J. Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Occupational Safety And Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Exposure Control ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Bloodborne Pathogens ◽  
Control Plan ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Time Periods

Bloodborne pathogen exposures continue to be an occupational health concern of high importance. It is uncertain whether national regulations and enforcement have an impact on employer action for reducing risk. The goal of this research was to determine whether citations issued under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard changed over time given these changing risks and controls. Researchers analyzed 31,066 inspections. There were 77,142 citations issued between 1991 and 2015. The highest frequency is the time period just after revisions of the 2001 standard. There were striking levels of noncompliance, most evident in Exposure Control Plan and Recordkeeping violations. No other pattern or change was evident. In the time periods after 2005, numbers of citations remained steady or declined. As new bloodborne pathogens emerge annually, it is essential to continue to focus on enforcing the standard to keep employers in compliance and workers protected.

An Analysis of OSHA Compliance and Selected Risk-Management Practices of NIRSA Fitness Directors

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Connaughton ◽  
Douglas DeMichele ◽  
Mary Beth Horodyski ◽  
Erin Dannecker
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
American Heart ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
Cover Letter ◽  
Bloodborne Pathogens ◽  
Cardiovascular Screening ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Management Techniques

This article reports and discusses the results of a study designed to assess selected risk-management practices of NIRSA fitness directors. The purpose of this study was to examine: (a) compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) bloodborne pathogens standard, (b) adherence to selected American Heart Association (AHA)/ACSM recommendations for cardiovascular screening, staffing, and emergency policies at health/fitness facilities, and (c) selected risk-management practices. A cover letter and questionnaire were electronically mailed to all NIRSA members who subscribed to the association's listserv asking them to forward the message to their institution's fitness director. A total of 53 responses were received. Data were analyzed using SPSS and descriptive statistics are provided. Results suggest that most programs were complying with many of the OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards. Likewise, most respondents indicated that their programs were following many of the AHA/ACSM recommendations. However, several responses suggested that programs were in violation of certain OSHA standards and/or were not adhering to the AHA/ACSM recommendations. In today's litigious society, and in an effort to reduce injuries and deaths, it has become imperative for fitness directors to practice sound risk-management techniques.

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