Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act.

Abstract

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is now enforcing the new Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. Updated enforcement procedures [CPL 2-2.69] for the revised Bloodborne Pathogen Standard were distributed to OSHA inspectors in tlate 2001. Facilities that have not implemented safer medical devices with engineered sharp injury protection are at risk for an OSHA citation. Any facility or organization that employs individuals who might reasonably experience occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials must comply with the regulation, even if the facility has never had a needlestick injury. This article will present the new regulations and discuss who is affected by the regulations.