How to Respond If You Get Pricked by a Dirty Needle at Work

How To

The potential for exposure to diseases such as hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), or HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) through needle stick injuries is high for certain workers, especially medical staff and health care workers. Indeed, it is estimated that some 600,000 to 800,000 needle stick injuries occur in US health care workers every year.[1] People involved in jobs such as garbage removal, cleaning, housekeeping, tattoo artists, catering, etc., are also at risk of being pricked by a syringe or needles thrown on the street, in bedding, in bathrooms etc.
A needle stick injury can happen as easily as accidentally pricking a finger with a contaminated needle. The use of precautionary latex gloves can minimizes exposure to disease but there is no guarantee that a needle stick injury won’t occur in any field of work.
If a needle stick injury occurs, it is vital to follow precautionary measures. This article explains how to respond to a needle stick injury, especially for workers most prone to the possibility.