Posted on 6-February-2013   by Dee Ward

What You Should Do, In the Event of a Needlestick Injury [Video]

Part of our service to our customers involves understanding what our customers go through on a daily basis, as well as the kinds of protocols and processes they have in place to safeguard their working environments. According to NHS guidance for their employees, Needlestick and Sharps injuries account for 17% of accidents to NHS staff and are second only to “moving and handling” (18%) in terms of the most common injuries.

The main concern with Needlestick and Sharps injuries is the possible transmission of blood-born pathogens (like HIV, HBV and HCV) and other infectious agents. In this short (and slightly humourous) video, our team demonstrate what the simple steps are to follow if you were ever to have a Sharps injury:

Steps for you to carry out following a Needlestick or Sharps injury:

• Bleed it – make sure you apply pressure to the wound and try to get any immediate blood away from the wound
• Run the area under cold water and wash the wound as well as possible
• Dry the wound after washing, with a dry towel or wipe (which you should then dispose of – don’t use a kitchen towel and leave it on the counter!)
• Cover the wound with a suitable bandage or plaster
• Report the injury to your line manager or the Appointed First Aider in your office/work environment who will record it in their First Aid book

Dee Ward

Dee is the Customer Support and Marketing Manager at Daniels. She is the key force behind a motivated and responsive team who support the Daniels customers and sales representatives day in and day out.