Sharp object injuries among health care workers in a Chinese province

Health care workers in nine hospitals in Fujian were surveyed between December 2005 and February 2006 regarding the occurrence of sharp object injuries (SOIs). Survey results indicated that 71.3% of the health care workers had sustained SOIs during the past year. The rates of SOIs among surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and clinical laboratory workers were 68.7%, 76.9%, 88.1%, and 40.2%, respectively. Approximately 50% of the SOIs occurred while devices were being used. Disposable syringes caused most of the injuries. A lack of protective and safe devices, heavy workloads, and carelessness contributed to SOIs. SOIs can be reduced among health care workers by decreasing unnecessary manipulation, using safety devices, disposing of used objects properly, and reasonably allocating workloads.