Medical examiners, also known as forensic pathologists, investigate deaths if they are deemed unusual or suspicious. However, it is not always known at the time of death if the deceased has a bloodborne infection or virus. This is why all bodies should be considered as potentially infectious and standard precautions should always be adopted, regardless …
Veterinary Cuts: The Problem of Sharps Injuries in Pet Care
Sharps injuries are a worrying concern for veterinarians. A survey sent to members of the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland in 2006 revealed that 75.3% had at least one sharps or needlestick injury in the previous 12 months, while 58.9% reported suffering from at least one contaminated sharps or needlestick injury during the previous 12 …
Sharps Injuries in Dental Practice and How to Prevent Them
Needles and sharps instruments are essential to dentistry practice which is why sharps injury rates are a huge concern for dentists. A study of Needlestick and Sharps Injury (NSI) cases reported by a university hospital in Taiwan between 2009 and 2011 showed that the annual incidence of sharps injuries was 8.19% among all dental workers. …
The Hierarchy of Controls and Sharps Safety
Addressing the Hierarchy of Controls Using Sharps Safety The Hierarchy of Controls is a very effective method for managing hazards in the workplace and should be followed to prevent sharps injuries to healthcare workers. According to Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), it is a well-recognised approach used to address sharps hazards in …
Are Safety Scalpels Actually Safe?
Injuries from needles and scalpels are one of the biggest concerns among health care workers with upwards of 18,000 healthcare workers in Australia experiencing needle-stick and scalpel injuries each year (1). Hazards from sharps injuries include transmission of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, as well as 20 other pathogens (1). This is not to …
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New Australia Standards AS 3825:2020 Procedures and Devices for the Removal, Containment and Disposal of Scalpel Blades
In December 2020 Standards Australia published AS 3825:2020 Procedures and devices for the removal, containment and disposal of scalpel blades from scalpel handles to replace the 1998 version, AS/NZS 3825:1998. This revision enabled the inclusion of new information and the removal of one outdated section based on the latest published data to ensure optimal safety …