Effective Education on Work Injuries and Needle Safety for Health Workers

Abstract

Healthcare workers’ greatest concern when working with patients generally does not involve their own injuries; there is no time for this thought. However, knowing how to cope with work injuries and needle sticks and completing the correct paperwork afterward are critical. Work injuries and needle sticks are so prevalent in healthcare that there should be education for all levels and types of workers starting with their first jobs and being reinforced with annual in-service education. Preventing back injuries and needle sticks, for example, are pet peeves of safety officers whose jobs are to ensure that healthcare workers are prepared when on duty. Education and training promote excellence in health and safety. That prepared healthcare worker can perform efficiently and effectively. Patients will have a good experience with a well-trained healthcare team, and injuries will be lessened. A marriage of work injuries and needle safety should occur. Moreover, this education should be utilized for didactic content and skills application in laboratory experiences.