Needlestick Prevention Act

The Needlestick Prevention Act, an amendment to the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, requires employers to use safer medical devices wherever and whenever feasible to reduce the risk of injury from sharps. Such devices include needle-less delivery systems, self-sheathing needles, needles that retract into the syringe after use, and shielded or retracting catheters. Frontline employees (those that are actually using needles on a regular basis) should be involved in deciding which devices to use and their input should be used in making purchasing decisions. Additional recordkeeping regarding needlestick injuries is also required.