Circumstances and Structure of Occupational Sharp Injuries among Healthcare Workers of a Selected Hospital in Central Poland

Anna Garus-Pakowska, Magdalena Ulrichs and Ewelina Gaszyńska
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Anna Garus-Pakowska: Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
Magdalena Ulrichs: Department of Econometrics, University of Lodz, 90-214 Lodz, Poland
Ewelina Gaszyńska: Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-9

Abstract: (1) Background: An analysis of work-related sharp injuries in Healthcare Workers (HCWs) based at a selected hospital in Central Poland by presenting the frequency of accidents, injury rates, and identifying circumstances of Needle Sticks and Sharp Injuries (NSSI) and giving Post-Exposure Procedures (PEP). (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical documentation regarding work-related NSSI at a district hospital located in central Poland; over the period 2010–2017. The study group included HCWs who had an accident while on duty. (3) Results: Most injuries were reported by nurses and staff over 40, on the morning shift. The most common injuries were using a needle. The most exposed part of the body were fingers. The average annual injury rates were: 1.22/100 Nurses; 2.02/100 doctors; 1.34/100 hospital beds; and 8.59/100,000 inpatient days. The rates for 3-year periods, after the implementation of legal regulations were higher than before. Conclusion: Injuries rates are more reliable for comparison than frequency. Legislation on the need to register injuries seems to be necessary. In the supervision of work safety of personnel, reliable reporting of all injuries by the respective HCWs plays a key role.

Keywords: occupational exposures; needlestick/sharp injuries; healthcare workers; prevalence; injury rates; postexposure prophylaxis; reporting; surveillance; legal regulations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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