AORN guidance statement: sharps injury prevention in the perioperative setting

Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens via percutaneous injuries is one of the most serious dangers perioperative team members face on a daily basis. The risk of sustaining a percutaneous injury can be decreased through employee education, clear communication, device engineering, and focused work practice controls. Risk reduction strategies should include specific practices aimed at reducing the unique risks of percutaneous injuries encountered in the perioperative environment. AORN recognizes the various settings in which perioperative RNs practice, and the suggested risk reduction strategies in this guidance statement are intended to be adaptable to any setting where surgical or other invasive procedures are performed.