health & fitness

10 Ways Healthcare Facilities Can Make Sharps Disposal Safer for Staff and Patients

Sharps injuries remain a serious occupational risk in healthcare. According to a 2020 global meta-analysis, 44.5% of healthcare workers experience at least one needlestick injury each year, and the CDC estimates that at least half of sharps injuries go unreported.

Even a single accidental stick can have significant physical and psychological consequences. So here are 10 ways healthcare facilities can make sharps disposal safer for staff and patients.

Jordan McDowell
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1. Use FDA-Cleared Containers at Point of Use
2. Keep Sharps Containers Secure but Accessible
3. Always Replace Containers at ¾ Fill Line
4. Prohibit Non-Compliant Disposal Methods
5. Enforce a “No Recapping, No Bending, No Breaking” Rule
6. Standardize Immediate, User-Based Disposal
7. Adopt Safety-Engineered Sharps Devices
8. Train Staff on Bloodborne Pathogens & Sharps Handling
9. Monitor Disposal & Review the Exposure Control Plan
10. Educate Patients & Caregivers on Sharps Disposal
Protect Staff and Patients With Safer Sharps Practices