Sharp injuries have always been a concern in the healthcare industry. These injuries can cause deep wounds and increase the risk of infection, particularly if the sharp object was contaminated with bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV. Emotionally, sharp injuries can cause significant distress and anxiety, leading to long-term psychological effects …
Surgeons Are Saying “No” to Safety Scalpels
Although it has previously been thought that safety scalpels would improve sharps safety, evidence suggests this may not be the case. The term “safety scalpel” is a misnomer- there is no supportive proof that safety scalpels are actually safe. Active devices such as safety scalpels may provide a false sense of security to the end-user, which …
Operating Rooms: A High Risk Environment
Operating rooms are environments with a high risk of sharps injuries due to the frequent use of needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments during surgical procedures. Sharps injuries can happen anytime in the operating room. Studies show that a significant portion of healthcare worker sharps injuries occur in surgical settings. Nurses on the Front Line …
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Is Your Healthcare Facility Compliant with the Latest EORNA Guidelines?
According to the EORNA Best Practice for the prevention of sharps injuries, perioperative staff should make sure to reduce the risk of injuries posed by medical sharps by implementing safe sharps practices such as the use to safety-engineered devices. These measures should include: Medical devices incorporating safety engineered mechanisms Effective training for staff in their …
The Silent Threat: Why Healthcare Workers Need Qlicksmart SnapIT Ampoule Openers
In the high-pressure world of healthcare, needles and scalpels are often the first to come to mind when considering workplace hazards. Yet, a hidden danger lurks in the shadows, silently inflicting countless injuries: the humble ampoule. These fragile glass containers, holding life-saving medications, pose a significant risk of injury to healthcare workers. Ampoule injuries, primarily …
What Goes Unreported Goes Unfixed: Why Are Sharps Injuries Still Going Unreported in the OR?
The reporting of injuries, errors and near misses is important for both staff and patient safety. Think about the last time you had, or you saw or heard about an injury at work. Did you report it or check whether this injury was reported? Case Study A 44 year old pathologist suffered what he …