Accidental Punctures by Sharp Objects

By Larry John Brown

Published: September 6, 2022 | 1:24 PM GMT

Approximately 3.8% to 8% of police officers [Cepeda et al. 2017; Davis et al. 2014] reported experiencing a needlestick injury. Officers may be exposed to contaminated sharps while performing responsibilities such as pat-downs, property searches, and arrest warrant execution. Bloodborne illnesses, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus, are transmitted through contaminated needles and other sharp objects (HIV). Employers and officials should adhere to OSHA’s bloodborne pathogen standard to prevent needlesticks and other accidents caused by sharp objects.

If you experience a needlestick or sharp injury, seek medical attention immediately.

Cleanse the wound with soap and water.
Report it immediately to your supervisor.
Immediately consult a medical expert for an examination.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has just produced a document titled Workplace Solutions with guidelines to prevent and eliminate needlestick and other sharps injuries among law enforcement employees. Among the recommended actions for employers are:

About Larry John Brown

Larry John is a talented writer and journalist based in New York, USA. He is a valued contributor to TDPel Media, where he creates engaging and informative content for readers. Larry has a keen interest in current events, business, and technology, and he enjoys exploring these topics in-depth to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the issues. His writing style is characterized by its clarity, precision, and attention to detail, which make his articles a pleasure to read. Larry’s passion for storytelling has earned him a reputation as a skilled writer and a respected authority in his field.