Although it has previously been thought that safety scalpels would improve sharps safety, evidence suggests this may not be the case. The term “safety scalpel” is a misnomer- there is no supportive proof that safety scalpels are actually safe. Active devices such as safety scalpels may provide a false sense of security to the end-user, which …
The Danger of Misconception Regarding the Risks of Ampoule Cuts
Needle-stick and sharps injuries (NSI) are a commonly reoccurring issue in healthcare workplaces. Without adequate protection, healthcare professionals face many multifaceted threats to their safety. In 2018, it was reported that 90.3% of nurses sustained at least one NSI over a six month period. Of these injuries, ampoules are frequently reported to be the primary …
Translating Safety into Practice: Sharps Safety Example
En español In the last blog, we talked about investing in healthcare worker safety has proven long-term benefits, and how organisations can start investing in their worker’s safety. In this blog, we take a deeper look at translating safety into practice, using sharps safety as an example. Healthcare is a complex system, and implementing sharps …
Scalpel Blade Removers: One Hand Is Better Than Two
Scalpel blade removers are designed to protect the user and downstream staff from accidental injury when removing a scalpel blade from a reusable handle. These devices fall into two classes: two-handed scalpel blade removers and single-handed scalpel blade removers. TWO-HANDED REMOVERS PUTS THE USER AT RISK The two-handed devices are not endorsed by any …
Is Your Sharps Safety Program Effective?
There is always the risk that a sharps injury will lead to a blood-borne infection and other consequences. Because of this, workplaces which use sharps such as scalpels and needles (including hospitals, aged care facilities, aesthetician clinics) need to make sure that a sharps safety program is in place. To make sure that your sharps …
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